Lighting company Philips has pledged that its UAE based operation will be carbon neutral by the end of 2016.
The move is in line with the company’s goals to become 100% carbon neutral by 2020, as declared during Climate Week in New York City.
The company’s growth markets president Murali Sivaraman made the announcement during a panel discussion as part of the World Green Economic Summit (WGES) in Dubai on the role of its connected LED solutions in the development of smart and sustainable cities.
He said: “Dubai is a truly forward-looking nation, with progress towards its vision to become the world’s smartest and most sustainable city being made daily.
“In partnership with Dubai Government, we have worked on several projects, implementing our latest technologies thanks to the leading research & development teams we have at Philips Lighting to bring meaningful changes to all essential city functions. We look forward to further collaboration to help increase energy efficiency and hope to lead the way towards carbon neutrality by setting an example.
“Lighting accounts for 15% of energy consumption globally and 22% regionally. Thanks to our connected energy efficient LED lighting products, systems and services we can bring that number down, reducing CO² emissions with the ultimate goal of mitigating the risks of climate change. From government buildings to road lighting and residential homes, we are working closely with the authorities to bring meaningful change to the environment. ”
Sivaraman spoke on the panel alongside HD Saeed Al Tayer, CEO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, HE Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general, Dubai Municipality and HE Matar Al Tayer, chairman Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
Philips Lighting been working with Dubai Municipality since 2013 when it signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the city.
Since that time it has worked to retrofit 15 of the municipality’s buildings with LED lighting, resulting in 57% energy savings.