Philips announces phase-out of incandescent lamps in GCC

With this plan, Philips is taking another step to help reduce energy consumption and carbon emission by supporting the switch to energy efficient lighting solutions. With the switch, consumers will save money without compromising on quality and style. Philips provides a comprehensive range of alternatives that help consumers to create the perfect ambiance at home.

Louis Hakim, VP of Royal Philips Electronics and CEO of Philips Middle East, says:

"A switch to energy efficient lighting solutions is simple to make, yet the effect is tremendous. Estimates show that two third of the worlds light bulbs are based on older, less energy efficient technologies. Significant savings can be made in terms of energy consumption, carbon emission and costs by switching to energy efficient solutions."

"This is unique; it offers a win-win for the environment and consumers at large. However, the world will continue wasting energy if the speed of the switch doesn't increase rapidly; therefore Philips is announcing its unilateral phase-out plan of incandescent lamps in the GCC to emphasize the importance of a switch for a sustainable environment," Louis adds.

Globally, lighting represents 19% of the electricity energy bill. For homes, up to 80% savings can be made by converting from conventional lamps to energy efficient ones. If GCC consumers switch their homes to energy efficient lighting solutions, this will already save up to $400m and 5.1 megaton in CO2 emissions annually.

Compact fluorescent energy savers are up to five times more efficient than incandescent lamps; in other words, they need up to five times less energy to generate the same amount of light. Philips CFLs lasts an average of eight times longer than incandescent lamps, needing less frequent replacements. In addition, Philips LEDs like MasterLed, is an ultra-efficient, fully dimmable LED lamp which saves up to 80% of energy and also has a lifetime of 45,000 hours.

Philips' phasing-out initiative is just one of many others that are currently taking place to create more consciousness on the environment and energy saving among different stakeholders like the educational councils, municipalities, NGOs, utilities and property owners.

Some of the other initiatives include an in-school program, 'Knowing is sharing and acting', focusing on the environmental benefits of energy efficient lighting, targeted at elementary and secondary school children in the UAE.

Moreover is the investor membership at the Dubai Quality Group to help develop customized workshops for lighting designers, consultants and end users on energy efficiency and finally the partnership with Dubai Tourism to educate and support hotels to switch to energy saving solutions.