Vietnam saved 520,000 kWh of electricity worth around 850 million VND (39,950 USD) from March 22-28 in response to the 2015 Earth Hour campaign.

Hanoi pioneered the drive, which spread to other cities and provinces across the country including Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.

Through various means of communication, such as riding bicycles, marching, delivering leaflets, and hanging posters, young volunteers helped raise public awareness of saving energy in response to climate change.

Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang called on organisations, individuals, families and businesses to join the drive and show their commitment by simply turning off all unnecessary electric equipment.

The 2015 Earth Hour campaign was launched in Hanoi on February 7, drawing some 3,000 volunteers, then in central and southern cities of Da Nang, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City.

On March 28, all 63 cities and provinces in Vietnam along with 7,000 cities in nearly 200 nations and territories across the world responded to the 2015 Earth Hour by turning off all lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

The annual event is organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade with technical support from the World Wildlife Fund (WFF) and the Denmark Embassy in Vietnam.

Last year, Vietnam saved 431,000 kWh of electricity, worth roughly 650 million VND (30,550 USD).-VNA