Coca‑Cola Great Britain Signed Up And Ready To Switch Off For WWF's Earth Hour

Coca‑Cola Great Britain (CCGB) today announces its support for WWF's Earth Hour, which takes place from 8.30 - 9.30pm on Saturday 28th March 2009. This year, WWF is asking one billion people across the world to switch off their lights for one hour in support of action against climate change. 

As a demonstration of its support for Earth Hour, CCGB will switch-off the famous 'Coca‑Cola' sign at London's Piccadilly Circus for the whole hour. This will be only the third time since the Second World War that the sign will be switched off.

In addition, CCGB has created a special advert, which launches today, dedicated to Earth Hour which will run on the Piccadilly sign from today. The advert(1) runs for 36 seconds and opens with a multitude of bright lightbulbs floating in outer space. To reinforce the message "Switch off for Earth Hour", the lightbulbs turn off one by one and the closest bulb then transforms into the Earth. A countdown timer to Earth Hour also helps to build suspense. It's estimated that 1.2 million people will see the Earth Hour ad whilst on display on the Piccadilly sign. To view the ad, click here: http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/earthhourcorporate/coca_cola/

Earth Hour will also be promoted on 'Coke Zone'(2), CCGB's innovative website to engage and reward consumers. An advert will also run in all football programmes at 'Coca‑Cola' Football League matches on the 28 March, providing 136,000 opportunities for people to see the ad.

Across all materials, people are encouraged to sign-up by either visiting or by texting EARTH to 84800.

Globally, The Coca‑Cola Company formed a partnership with WWF in 2007 with more than $20 million in funding to help tackle issues relating to water and energy. Through the partnership The Coca‑Cola Company set new global targets to improve water efficiency and reduce carbon emissions within its system-wide operations, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and helping to conserve the world's most important freshwater basins. The Coca‑Cola Company has committed itself to a 20 percent improvement in water efficiency from its 2004 levels in its worldwide operations by 2012, saving about 50 billion litres of fresh water over that year.

Sanjay Guha, President of Coca‑Cola Great Britain and Ireland said:

 "We are really pleased to support WWF's Earth Hour for the first time by developing an advert to be displayed on the world-famous Piccadilly sign and switching it off throughout the hour. Climate change is a real and significant threat and businesses like 'Coca‑Cola' have an important role to play in reducing carbon emissions. It is critical that businesses, individuals and local governments are united in supporting clear action on climate change. 'Coca‑Cola' is firmly committed to doing our bit and I would encourage everyone to sign-up and switch-off for Earth Hour."

Dax Lovegrove, Head of Business and Industry at WWF-UK commented:

"WWF are delighted that Coca‑Cola Great Britain is demonstrating its support for Earth Hour in one of the busiest places in London. Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing people and nature and demands urgent global action. As the UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December draw closer, Earth Hour will send a clear signal to global leaders that millions of people around the world want them to take action to tackle climate change."

Ends 

Footnotes:

(1) Advert was designed by Sedley Place.

(2) 'Coke Zone' site address: www.cokezone.co.uk 

Notes to editors:

Coca‑Cola Great Britain recently released details of the carbon footprint of some of its most popular drinks: 'Coca‑Cola', 'diet Coke' and 'Coke Zero'.  It is the first time that the carbon footprint of any brand of sparkling drinks has been certified by the Carbon Trust. For details, visit: 

About TCCC

The Coca‑Cola Company (TCCC) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with 'Coca‑Cola', recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca‑Cola Zero, Glaceau vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our Web site at www.thecoca-colacompay.com.     

'Coca‑Cola', 'Coke', 'diet Coke', 'diet Coca‑Cola', 'Coke Zero', 'Coca‑Cola Zero', 'Fanta', 'Sprite', 'Powerade' and 'Minute Maid' are registered trade marks of The Coca‑Cola Company.

'Glaceau vitaminwater' and the 'Glaceau vitaminwater' get up are trade marks of energy brands, inc aka Glaceau.

About WWF

WWF is the world's leading independent environmental organisation; a truly global network, working in nearly 100 countries.  It is a challenging, constructive, science-based organisation that addresses issues from the survival of species and habitats to climate change, sustainable business and environmental education.  As a charity it is dependent upon its five million supporters worldwide - some 90 per cent of its income derives from voluntary sources such as people and the business community. For further information please visit.