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Lights Out Boston Launches on March 28

Boston, Mass.—Building on last fall's successful Lights Out Boston campaign, Mayor Thomas Menino, Mass Audubon President Laura Johnson, and commercial property owners and managers in Boston, announced the continuation of the voluntary program for the spring 2009 bird migratory season, from March 28 through May 31.

During that time period, 47 commercial skyscrapers in downtown Boston will diminish their lighting in accordance with the initiative during the spring bird migratory season. Lights Out Boston aims to save energy, protect migratory birds, and set an example that encourages everyone to use energy more efficiently. Through the voluntary program, participating commercial property owners and managers turn off or dim all architectural and internal lighting between 11 pm and 5 am during the bird migratory season.

"Lights Out Boston is a wonderful example of how the city, the business community, and a conservation organization can come together and make a difference for the environment," said Laura Johnson, president of Mass Audubon. "We all have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gasses in an effort to slow global climate change.  And what is good for the environment is good for birds, as well. Some of the most spectacular birds that we see in Massachusetts pass through Boston when migrating and anything we can do to make their "commute" easier will have a positive impact on their survival."

Lights Out Boston protects migrating birds, which have difficulty adapting to an urban environment. When a city skyline—especially buildings over 30 stories high—is brightly lit at night, the lights can confuse the birds. Although scientists are unsure of the exact reason for this problem, birds can fly as low as 500 feet during inclement weather, and skyscrapers are the most visible part of the city to migrating birds.

"By turning off the lights, we illuminate how local action can address the global challenge of climate change," said Mayor Thomas Menino. "Through the collective action of the community and property owners, we can demonstrate that easy steps can make a big difference in reducing energy use and improving our environment."

Shay Sims, vice president and partner of CB Richard Ellis, has led the effort to coordinate the property owners and managers support on this initiative. The core group of building owners and managers supporting Lights Out Boston represents more than 31 million square feet of high-rise office space in the City of Boston.

All Lights Out Boston participants are also leaders in Boston's commitment to Earth Hour in which participants turn off all non-essential lighting on March 28 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm Boston is among over 400 cities worldwide that have pledged to shut off lights for Earth Hour.

Learn more about Lights Out Boston from Mass Audubon or see the report from WBZ.

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Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon's mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women's fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries, in 90 Massachusetts communities, welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.