Philips 2012 Annual Report Download - page 25

3 Our strategy in action 3 - 3
Annual Report 2012 25
Enhancing urban life with light
Guided by our vision of a healthier and more sustainable world, we are combining our
market leadership in LED luminaires with intelligent lighting management and controls to
enhance people’s lives and add value to business.
A century ago less than one in ten of the world’s
population lived in a city. By the start of the 21st century
this figure had risen to over 50%, and by 2050 over two
thirds of us will be living in cities. In the face of this rapid
urbanization, our energy-efficient, intelligent lighting can
help create safe, smart, vibrant and ecologically sound city
environments.
Energy efficiency
Today, lighting accounts for 19% of the world’s electricity
consumption – with some 60% used for commercial and
public buildings in cities, and around 15% for street
lighting. Significant savings – on average 40% and up to 90%
in individual projects – can be made simply by switching
to energy-efficient lighting technologies like LED.
Globally, the potential electricity cost savings amount to
EUR 128 billion, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions
of 670 million tonnes.
Luminaire design innovation
Thanks to their small size, LEDs have opened up
tremendous opportunities for innovative luminaire
design. Now, luminaires like our FreeStreet LED luminaire
– winner of the 2011 Dutch Design Award – can blend
into the urban landscape, freeing up space and
decluttering urban areas. FreeStreet is unusual because
the LED lamps are actually integrated into the cable,
creating a ‘floating’ effect.
“Eindhoven has opted for FreeStreet because the floating
lighting system is adapted to the way people move and
behave, rather than people having to adapt to where the
lighting is located. I think this is a good example of
technological progress,” says Mary-Ann Schreurs,
Municipal Executive Councillor for Innovation, Culture
and Public Spaces.