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Spotlight Shines on Lights Out Boston

BOSTON, Mass.—Lights Out Boston recently received awards from the City of Boston and the New England Regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for saving birds and energy. The initiative was honored during Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's 2009 Green Award ceremony where he acknowledged businesses and residents for their contributions to environmentally sustainable practices in the City of Boston. Mass Audubon was recognized for its efforts to help protect migrating birds through Lights Out Boston, a partnership with the City of Boston and large commercial properties to reduce energy use, promote energy efficiency, and protect migrating birds during the fall and spring migrations.

Lights Out Boston also received a 2009 EPA New England Environmental Merit Award presented to Mass Audubon, the City of Boston and CB Richard Ellis, at an awards ceremony held at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The partnership was cited for protecting migratory birds and setting an example to encourage everyone to reduce energy use and use energy more efficiently.

"Mass Audubon is grateful for having received these awards and is privileged to continue a successful partnership with Mayor Menino in helping to make Boston the greenest city in America," said Jack Clarke, Mass Audubon's director of public policy and government relations. "Lights Out Boston saves electricity and reduces carbon emissions in the atmosphere, it saves migratory birds by dimming an artificially lit sky, and it reduces light pollution for area astronomers."

Since its inception last fall, 45 commercial properties in Boston have joined the effort to turn off architectural and non-essential lights from 11pm to 5am, including Boston landmarks, such as the John Hancock Tower, the Prudential Tower, the World Trade Center, and International Place. In addition to energy savings, Lights Out Boston protects migrating birds. When a city skyline—especially buildings more than 30 stories high—is brightly lit at night, the lights can confuse the birds, causing them to fly into the building which can kill them.

"With his commitment to reduce Boston's greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050 and other initiatives to make Boston one of the world's greenest cities, Mayor Menino has shown extraordinary leadership," says Clarke. "And we are proud to be a founding partner with him of Lights Out Boston."

Most building managers have continued to follow the requirements of Lights Out Boston after the end of the migratory season. Their participation sets an example that encourages everyone to use energy more efficiently. Lights Out Boston can reduce the amount of electricity that a building uses for lighting-and the associated electricity costs—by up to 25 percent. It also reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, associated with the production of electricity.

Visit the Lights Out Boston website for more information or to find out how to participate or support the program.

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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 200,000 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 47 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our conservation, education, and advocacy work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.