Signify Switch: leading the charge for global energy efficiency

Lighting is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in cities and buildings. Based on industry research, aligned with IEA^[1], we conservatively estimate that global lighting consumption accounts for around 9% of global electricity demand.

Yet, a “digital and efficiency gap” remains: the lighting transition is not complete. Today 21% of existing light points are still conventional, and 39% of installed LEDs are first generation, less efficient products, nearing end of their life. This presents a major opportunity to upgrade higher-performing, longer- lasting and smarter lighting systems.

To help our customers capture this opportunity and in alignment with the launch of Signify’s new Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 sustainability program, we are pleased to introduce an expanded Signify Switch initiative. Previously named Green Switch, this is more than just a name change; it marks a strategic shift to better serve customers globally, while addressing critical challenges in a fast-changing world.

€196 billion in global energy savings, every single year waiting to be unlocked. Think about what we could achieve with that. What could we build? How many lives could we change with new jobs? How rapidly could we drive the transition to renewable energy?

These aren’t abstract questions; they’re real opportunities slipping through our fingers. That staggering figure represents the cost of inaction, the cost of a world that hasn’t yet finished upgrading its lighting"

Building on a legacy of impact

Signify Switch builds on the success of the original Green Switch program, which helped customers harness the opportunities of the European Green Deal. By unlocking incentives and funding for lighting upgrades, it accelerated the transition from conventional lighting to connected LED systems, delivering enhanced performance, energy efficiency gains, and significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.

The track record so far speaks to the scale of the impact:

Global reach: Signify has completed over 37,000 projects across the globe.
Public sector: We have supported over 10,000 local authorities in reducing energy use, saving money and cutting emissions.
Private sector: We’ve helped 13.000+ companies across the globe to renew their lighting systems over 56,000+ projects enabling them to become more competitive and achieving their sustainability goals.

Now, Signify Switch is expanding its reach and bridging these initiatives together to bring it to an even larger global audience. Upgrading to ultra-efficient, connected lighting solutions worldwide presents a transformative opportunity to reduce energy consumption, costs, and emissions on an unprecedented scale.

By prioritizing energy efficiency, we can unlock immediate electricity savings that improve system flexibility and redirect energy to other critical uses. For example, upgrading lighting in global SMEs alone could save 533 TWh annually, avoiding €67 billion in electricity costs. Beyond these tangible benefits, next-generation lighting enhances electrification efforts, supports connected and digital buildings, and drives improvements in wellbeing, productivity, and safety.

How Signify Switch helps customers

The goal of Signify Switch is to leverage proven frameworks to enhance productivity, strengthen industrial leadership, and boost economic security. This initiative provides practical, actionable guidance to help customers:

Maximize energy efficiency: discover how efficient LED and connected lighting can support and further increase energy efficiency driving cost savings and emissions reduction.
Select the right solutions: identify the optimal lighting products, systems, and services.
Navigate funding opportunities: access guidance and support to secure financing or incentives for lighting upgrades.
Measure and optimize impact: Set up lighting systems to operate at peak efficiency and track their performance over time.

Designed to make an even greater impact on countries, industries, and policy environments around the world. Signify Switch represents the next step in our commitment to supporting a more competitive, resilient, and secure future.

Explore more, visit: https://www.signify.com/global/sustainability/signify-switch

About the author:

Mario Giordano
Global Head of Public & Government Affairs, Signify

^[1] IEA, “The next wave of LED lighting: Smarter, circular and more efficient” (2026) - link

^[2] The data presented here is an illustrative forecast representing a possible future outcome based on a proprietary model that Signify has developed to help customers and the public understand the impact that lighting can have on the energy and environment. For detailed information see here.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers. We proudly bring to market the world’s best lighting brands, from Signify, Philips, Philips Hue, Signify Interact, Philips Dynalite, Color Kinetics and many more. Our advanced products, connected systems and services unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. In 2025, we had sales of EUR 5.8 billion, approximately 27,000 employees, and a presence in over 70 markets. We are in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and hold the EcoVadis Platinum rating.

News and updates from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

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