Philips Applauds New Zealand Efficient Lighting Three-Year Strategy

Auckland, New Zealand – Philips, the global leader in advanced and energy efficient lighting solutions, has announced its emphatic support for today’s newly announced Efficient Lighting Strategy by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to phase out the use of energy inefficient lighting including the incandescent light bulb, beginning in 2009.

According to Gordon Wiffen, Commercial Manager, Philips Lighting New Zealand, the country is in a unique position to lead the world in the take up of sustainable lighting solutions for the home, office and outdoor applications.

“New Zealand has shown its commitment to be a leading voice in the energy efficiency arena, and Philips is committed to ensuring we can meet these goals together.  As the leading supplier of lighting worldwide, we are uniquely aware of our responsibility to help stabilise climate change through the availability of energy efficient lighting solutions,” said Wiffen.

Lighting currently accounts for 19% of all the electricity used in the world.  That is because much of the lighting in use is based on technology that dates back over a century.  With this old, inefficient lighting, 95% of the energy is wasted in heat, with only 5% generating light.  If energy efficient lighting technology were adopted universally, the world could achieve an energy reduction of 40%.  This would save EUR 106bn ($218 NZ) in energy costs per year and 555 million tons of CO2. That is equivalent to the output of 530 power plants or 1560 million oil barrels a year.

“The new lighting technologies available in New Zealand today are a triple win for consumers, the environment and business.  By making simple changes to our lighting use such as installing energy saving compact fluorescents (which save up to 80% compared to incandescent) in the home or more efficient options in the workplace, we have the ability to quickly decrease CO2 emissions while also saving money.”

Globally, Philips is leading the change in the lighting industry to increase energy efficiency. In markets around the world including Australia and the European Union, the company is working jointly with the lighting industry, non-governmental organisations and governments to encourage the move towards energy efficient alternatives. 

Making a mark in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Philips has a proud history in the area of energy efficiency, since inventing the compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) in 1980.  Since then the company set even more ambitious targets for sustainability with the fourth Eco Vision program by committing to: double investment in Green Innovations over the next five years to Eur 1 billion, aim for 30% of total revenues to come from Green Products by 2012 and increase the energy efficiency of our own operations by 25% by 2012.

To learn more about Philips Commitment to Energy Efficient Lighting Solutions visit: www.asimpleswitch.com

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