Philips highlights role of lighting to unlock potential of energy efficiency

Philips says that a full switch-over to energy-efficient LED lighting would provide significant energy savings, equivalent to cost savings of approximately EUR 130 billion, or to a reduction in the need for 640 medium-sized power plants.

The remarks were part of call by Philips for governments, businesses and society to accelerate the implementation of energy-efficient lighting in an effort to combat the effects of climate change.

LED lighting on the Meydan Bridge in Dubai

Speaking at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Doha, Qatar, Philips advocated energy-efficient lighting as a means of lowering costs, improving competitiveness, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“LED lighting is a technology innovation that enhances efficiency and brings substantial savings,” said Eric Rondolat, CEO of Philips Lighting. “These savings can potentially be re-invested in cities and new infrastructures, thus enabling sustainable growth.’’

Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, said that energy-efficiency measures hold enormous potential not just to make a significant contribution to curb global greenhouse gas emissions, but to cut energy bills for consumers and businesses, support green jobs and enterprises, and boost economies.

“In collaboration with key stakeholders including business and industry, governments need to step up measures that promote behavioral change and drive energy efficiency improvements across all sectors,” said Figueres.

A report from leading energy consultancy Ecofys titled: “The benefits of energy efficiency: why wait?” is being published at the global Climate Change Conference in Doha (COP18) in partnership with Philips. The report aims to estimate the scale of the benefits of energy efficiency, based on assessments from the most authoritative organizations in this field.

One theme of the report is that improving the efficiency of general electricity usage can result in significant reductions in the need for capital investments in public energy infrastructure.

Kandeh Yumkella, the UN Secretary-General's designated Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All, added: “Strengthening energy efficiency provides a twin-win for both the climate and the economy. It is one of the most powerful, cost-effective tools available to help meet our climate goals while also saving money for governments, businesses and consumers alike.”