Taipei City Government

On September 23, Mayor Ko Wen-je appeared at the press conference for “Chengshi Jingsi” (City Contemplation), a lights-off event involving 14 major businesses and enterprises for the cause of energy saving and carbon emission reduction.
The lights-off activity calls on participants to turn off all lights at their facilities between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM on the last Monday of the month. The event will kick-off on September 25 and last until the end of March in 2016.
During his address to the audience, the mayor noted that Taipei’s project is one part of the overall energy conservation plan drafted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Hopefully, through the city government’s implementation of energy-saving initiatives at nine major business districts across the city, Taipei’s energy consumption will be able to achieve a reduction of 2-percent compared to last year’s number.
According to the mayor, the lights-off event also seeks to provide people with a chance to slow down their pace in their daily life and take a rest to allow time for contemplation and meditation. In this sense, the activity also comprises a more cultural aspect.
The mayor also took the chance to express his gratitude to the representatives of private sector participants, especially Shin Kong Bank which promised the involvement of 27 buildings and 105 branch offices across the island. He presented a small autographed bonsai to each of the representatives.