(22 March 2013 – Hong Kong) New World Department Store China Limited (“NWDS” or the “Company”; Hong Kong stock code: 825), one of the largest owners and operators of department stores in the PRC, has spared no effort in promoting environmental activities. NWDS will take part in the "Earth Hour 2013" organized by WWF for the fourth consecutive year with wide support from 36 outlets in 18 cities across the country by turning out their lights for an hour tomorrow night. Through this initiative, NWDS has well demonstrated its determination to combat climate change and light pollution, fulfilling its sustainability commitment in action.

"Earth Hour" is one of the world’s largest collective environmental actions. Being the market pioneer in the retail industry, NWDS has participated in "Earth Hour" campaign since year 2010. Leveraging its extensive network, 36 NWDS stores together with all regional offices will switch off non-essential lights starting from 8:30pm tomorrow night for one hour to echo the call for saving energy. Furthermore, NWDS puts its store platforms into good use to encourage customers to take part in this meaningful activity by displaying promotional posters and broadcasting video at stores.

To support environmental protection and sustainable development, the Company has been actively engaging in environmental protection works. The Company has organized numerous resource recycling and energy saving activities to advocate environmental messages to our customers. Last year, the Company especially set up the NWDS Sustainability Steering Committee and switching all basic light system at stores into LED lighting, which is energy-saving and more durable. As a result, the Company saves over 40% of its electric utility. The LED lighting project was accredited as “2012 China Outstanding Energy Management Project” in January 2013 by China Energy Conservation Association (EMCA). The award has greatly affirmed the NWDS’ efforts in the area of environmental protection. 

Ms. Rebecca Woo, Director of Corporate Affairs and Chairman of Sustainability Steering Committee of NWDS said, “We are proud that we can take part in the ‘Earth Hour’ once again this year. The campaign carries a wide and deep meaning. As global population is surging amid uneven resource allocation, energy conservation is the only way to meet the needs of growing energy demand with limited resources. Furthermore, we hope to ride on this campaign to reduce light emission to address to our concerns on deteriorating light pollution. NWDS will continue our efforts to realize our sustainable mission through organizing environmental protection activities and operating in a waste-reducing and energy-saving model at all levels to maximize energy efficiency, paving way for a sustainable future.”

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