Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is proud to announce that its Community Light Center solution has been recognized as one of the 100 most innovative sustainable solutions globally for positive social, economic and environmental impact on local communities by Sustainia100. Sustainia100 is an annual guide to global sustainable innovation by international institute Sustainia.
Philips’ Community Light Centers are areas of 1,000 square meters, about the size of a small soccer pitch and are lit by a new generation of highly efficient solar powered LED lighting systems. This enables life after dark for communities disadvantaged by lack of power and light. The Philips solution is now a nominee for the Sustainia Award later this year.
“About 20% of all people across the globe don’t have access to reliable lighting. Sustainable innovation in solar-powered LED lighting enables social and economic development in such areas to continue after dark, whether education, healthcare, community activity such as sports, or business and training. In essence access to lighting opens up the pathway to a better quality of life. We are very proud that our Community Light Center solution has been nominated to the Sustainia100 list.” comments Harry Verhaar, Head of Global Public Affairs at Philips Lighting.
Philips’ Community Light Center is a highly sustainable solution that requires no investment in costly grid infrastructure and utilizes the latest technology to minimize the solution’s carbon footprint. For example, batteries for the solar-powered lighting will last 4-5 years and are buried underground. Intelligent controls maximize the efficiency of the batteries while the LED lights offer high quality light (up to 20 LUX).
Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Govenor of California and Honorary Chair of Sustainia Award comments “Congratulations to the Sustainia100 for 2013. They are the true action heroes of sustainability. From Canada to Kenya to Guatemala to India, these solutions are proving that we can build communities that are both environmentally and economically sustainable today and for generations to come.”
During the next two years, Philips’ goal is to install 100 Philips Community Light Centers across 12 countries in Africa. Philips’ Community Light Centers bring many benefits to local communities by enabling community life after dark. For example, businesses are able to extend their trading hours; increasing profitability. Communities are able to host local events and children are able to play soccer after the sun has gone down. In schools, evening classes can take place and in hospitals, solar-powered lighting enables delivery of healthcare.
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Philips are currently in the midst of their 4th annual Cape Town to Cairo Road Show, where Philips will raise awareness on sustainable healthcare and lighting solutions that help to enhance the quality of life in Africa.
About Sustainia100
From Canada to Kenya, Guatemala to the Philippines, Sustainia100 presents the 100 most innovative and impactful solutions out of 500+ nominated projects and technologies. Overall, Sustainia100 maps sustainable solutions across 10 sectors successfully deployed in 128 countries and is a tool for investors, business leaders, decision makers and consumers as it provides insights to the most promising solutions at the forefront of sustainable transformation.
As a selected Sustainia100 solution, Philips Community Light Centers also enter the list of nominees for the international sustainability award, Sustainia Award, chaired by former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Schwarzenegger heads the selection jury that also includes former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, EU Commissioner of Climate Action Connie Hedegaard and Chair of the UN climate Panel, IPCC, Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri. The Awards ceremony will be held on November 7 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
