Philips participating in the International Year of Light
2015 has been announced by the United Nations as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015). The global initiative will highlight the importance of light and optical technologies to our lives and to the development of society - and the impact of its absence on poverty-stricken countries.
In many developing countries, electrical grids are unviable due to the geographic and financial constraints of linking hundreds of remote communities. Most of those lacking access to electric light thus resort to kerosene lamps and candles to light their homes and businesses. But these light sources claim the lives of 1.5 million people every year through respiratory illnesses and fires.
As lead patron of IYL 2015, Philips Lighting is collaborating with the IYL 2015 Consortium in order to design and implement actions which focus on pointing out that light plays a key role in improving the life of people all over the world. In particular, Philips Lighting CEO Eric Rondolat has emphasised the benefits of solar LED lighting.
“Solar-powered LED lighting can transform rural communities and save millions of lives,” he said, noting the technology’s safety and lack of expense compared to kerosene lamps. “What’s more, it does not have to be invented - it already exists and is proven.”
A single solar-powered LED lantern can fill a room with electric light for an approximate one-off cost of US$10-20, compared to the US$50 annual fuel bill of running a kerosene lamp. On a larger scale, energy-efficient LED luminaires and solar panels can be combined to produce sustainable lighting in public places.
Philips is currently in the process of installing 100 Community Light Centers (CLCs) across 12 countries in Africa, where some 500 million people do not have access to light. These CLCs allow healthcare services and businesses to operate after sunset, as well as encouraging sports and other social activities. The company will also spend 2015 participating in high-level roundtables discussing the need for innovative lighting solutions to address issues of energy efficiency and climate protection.
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