TURN OFF THE LIGHTS FOR EARTH HOUR

...and raise awareness of our planet's pressing issues.

On Saturday, 27 March, at 8.30 pm people across the world will turn off all non-essential electrical lights for 60 minutes. Earth Hour has been running since 2007 and over the years the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has inspired people worldwide to protect our planet and raise awareness of environmental issues and climate change.

Our Milan headquarters, UniCredit Tower, together with other 44 UniCredit main buildings and premises across 14 countries (Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and United Kingdom) will participate. Switching off the lights for one hour on Saturday 27 March 2021 will mark the Group's fourteenth consecutive year of taking part in the initiative.

Giuseppe Zammarchi, Head of Group Sustainability, said: "Our annual participation in Earth Hour is part of UniCredit’s wider efforts to support sustainability and take action against climate change. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations as well as assisting our clients in the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy. Sustainability is part of our DNA and core values as a bank and we continue to further integrate ESG across all areas of our operations and business. In 2020, UniCredit achieved a 60 percent reduction versus its 2008 GHG emissions with the long-term target of an 80 percent reduction by 2030".

We have always encouraged a sustainable mindset throughout UniCredit, and this is why we invite you to join Earth Hour and play your part in fighting climate change and protecting our planet.

Throughout this week our colleagues have been participating in environmental challenges on our Yammer ASAP (As Sustainable As Possible) Community. A daily social media challenge gave colleagues an opportunity to showcase their environmentally friendly commitments.

The posts demonstrated that small habitual changes can positively affect the environment. For instance, turning the tap off while brushing our teeth can save litres of waters every day. Explore #speakupfornature to learn more or read our eco-tips for valuable advice on making a positive impact on our planet.

Don’t miss Earth Hour's must-watch video on Saturday, and remember that every single like, comment or share builds momentum for climate action. You could get creative; why not draw a picture, write a letter or record a podcast about what nature means to you and then share with your closest friends.

Keep the conversation alive, make your voice heard and sign the petition available on the official WWF Earth Hour website!