Energy efficiency is an international concern for businesses and governments which is being communicated and talked about on various layers of the global debate.
Lighting uses up 19% of the world’s electricity consumption. In the Middle East, that figure is a staggering 22%. The Middle East has one of the highest levels of energy consumption in the world.
At the Philips innovation experience, I learned about Philips energy efficient lighting solutions which are also environment friendly and a great way to cut down energy usage across entire regions.
Of course being from Pakistan, it spiked my interest and I looked at their offerings to understand how we could as a nation benefit from such deployments.
I learned that LED, Halogen bulbs and Compact Fluorescent light bulbs are all high performing, energy efficient alternatives that can save a significant amount of energy if these were to be deployed in entirety within towns, cities or even countries.
Read about: My experience at the Philips Innovation Experience
Dubai is one example which Pakistan can learn from in terms of deployment and making the switch from inefficient lighting sources to energy efficient lighting solutions.
Philips has not only driven this conversation in the UAE but also encouraged the residents to convert to energy efficient lighting in the past year.
The Dubai Municipality acknowledging the need for energy efficiency within the region signed an MOU with Philips in 2013 to make the switch to energy efficient and sustainable lighting solutions which would reduce environment implications and save energy up to 80%.
Talking about the need for energy efficiency,Paolo Cervini, General Manager, Philips Lighting Middle East & Turkey, says “Energy consumption is a very crucial topic across the globe.
People need to be made more aware of their individual choices and the impact it has on the country’s sustainability efforts. We are very proud that Philips is driving this conversation and can help make a positive difference to the society we live in.”
He adds, ” The key factor that will drive people to ‘Make the Switch’ is education about the benefits of moving towards energy-efficient lighting and therefore increasing awareness of the ecological impact.”
Further to this, the Dubai Municipality enforced regulation to ban import and sale of inefficient bulbs to make the switch possible.
This is a great example of how towns and cities can go green in the way they deploy their lighting solutions when backed with supportive regulations and laws.
Read the complete case study about the transformation here
Energy efficient lighting saves large amounts of electricity, the bulbs last longer and are low maintenance. Philips LED range has a life span of 15 years during normal use and can save energy up to 86% according to the company’s official release.
In Pakistan, the energy shortages are frequent and the country is unable to meet the electricity requirements.
Philips Pakistan has also contributed to the drive to help meet energy requirements with the deployment of 10,000 LED road lights.
However there is much to be learned from the example of UAE, where the “Switch” will help the region reduce the carbon footprint and save energy significantly.
A good way to look at this is through this video that I found on Vimeo. It is a great way to highlight the importance of energy efficient solutions and how cities can save energy with LED lights. Don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments.
Happy viewing!
PHILIPS | Dubai Innovation & You from NØRTH SEA AIR on Vimeo.

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