Vancouver has been named the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Earth Hour National Champion for the second time. Vancouver takes home the award for Vancouver’s work to foster new technology.Innovation is at the heart of Vancouver’s big plans to become ‘The Greenest City in the World’ by 2020 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent. The city has nearly 100 initiatives in place to make achieve these targets. The Green and Digital Demonstration Program is one example. It provides innovative entrepreneurs temporary access to the City’s buildings, streets and vehicles for demonstrations and proof-of-concept trials.

“It is a great honour for Vancouver to be recognized by WWF for our climate change leadership among Canadian cities for a second time,” responded Mayor Gregor Robertson. “The progress that Vancouver has made towards lowering our greenhouse gas emissions is thanks to the innovation and determined efforts of residents, businesses and community groups dedicated to ensuring Vancouver meets our goal of becoming the greenest city in the world by 2020.”

WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge highlights the work of cities around the world. This year, Vancouver won the National Champion over North Vancouver and Edmonton.

“Species, habitats and our own well-being are all threatened by our growing ecological footprint,” said David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “WWF is pleased to recognize the City of Vancouver and

Mayor Gregor Robertson for innovative projects that include demonstrating how cities can engage entrepreneurs and residents in achieving a future where both people and nature thrive.”

This year, Vancouver is also a finalist in the We Love Cities campaign thanks to the innovation and efforts of residents, businesses and community groups dedicated to making Vancouver the greenest city in the world. People can learn more about cities involved in the Earth Hour Challenge and cast a vote for their favourite through the WWF’s We Love Cities campaign — the people’s choice award.

In 2013, the City of Vancouver took home all three Earth Hour City Challenge awards: National Champion, Global Champion and People’s Choice.

Residents looking to be their own Earth Hour champion are encouraged to take part in Earth Hour on March 28, 2015, from 8:30-9:30pm.