Philips calls for renewed optimism and action based on the energy saving potential of LED lighting at Climate Change Conference COP19

Warsaw, Poland – With ‘modest progress’ and a ‘growing sense of realism’ being widely reported to sum up the mood at this year’s climate change talks, Philips is calling for renewed optimism and action. This is based on the energy savings impact the company is seeing from the implementation of energy efficient lighting technologies such as LED.

With the 5th report from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) stressing the need for urgent action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, the latest data from Philips highlights the opportunity for emission reductions by switching to energy efficient lighting. By 2020, Philips predicts that 30% less energy will be used for lighting compared to 2006 as a result of the adoption of energy efficient lighting . These savings represent a 515 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions.

Harry Verhaar, Head of Global Public and Government Affairs at Philips Lighting said, “With increasing population growth and urbanization, the demand for light is growing. The good news is that – the resulting increase in energy demand is being compensated for by gains in energy efficiency as a result of the adoption of energy efficient lighting. And these energy savings offer a triple win – for the economy, citizens and the environment.’’

For example a switch to LED technology of all lighting currently installed would result in 40% energy savings on average , or the equivalent of –

1. EUR 128 billion a year…
   Cost savings on energy bills for businesses and consumers
2. The annual output of 642 medium sized power stations…
   Reduced investment in power generation infrastructure can be reallocated for social and economic development of cities
3. 670 million tonnes of CO2 emissions…
   Reduced emissions helping to combat climate change

Harry Verhaar, Head of Global Public and Government Affairs at Philips Lighting will participate in a panel discussion today at UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s high-level side event at COP 19: ‘The UN system as a catalyst for climate action: Promoting low-carbon development.’

The only speaker from the private sector in the panel, Harry Verhaar will speak on Philips’ work in partnership with UNEP on the en.lighten initiative to phase out inefficient lighting.

¹  Based on a comparison between 2020 forecast scenario and technology mix evident in 2006 before the market transition to LED lighting