For its longstanding commitment to sustainability through the development of innovative lighting, including LED  technologies, Philips Lighting has been selected as a 2011 Leader of Change Award winner by the Foundation for Social Change and the United Nations Office for Partnerships.

Philips will receive the award this afternoon during the Global Conference for Social Change: Turning Social Responsibility into Business Opportunity at the UN Plaza. Philips is one of 11 organizations and individuals to be so honored.

"Philips has long been at the forefront of innovation to boost sustainability, and today we continue to be pioneers in light," said Zia Eftekhar, CEO, Philips Lighting North America. "We are grateful to receive this prestigious Leader of Change Award. It recognizes our commitment to providing lighting solutions that enhance the health and well-being of humans everywhere while ensuring environmental and economic efficiency."

Harry Verhaar, Senior Director, Energy & Climate Change, Philips Lighting, and Mr. Eftekhar will accept the award on behalf of Philips Lighting.

The Leader of Change Award recognizes visionary companies and individuals that have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the pursuit of sustainability, demonstrating that "doing good is good for business". The winners have embedded sustainability, environmental concern and social performance as part of their competitive business strategy.

Philips Lighting is a worldwide leader in developing LED and other lighting technology solutions that aid in the global transition to a sustainable society, while delivering economic, ecological and social benefits. In 2011, Philips won the U.S. Department of Energy's L Prize competition, which challenged the lighting industry to develop high-performance, energy-saving replacements for conventional light bulbs that save money for consumers and businesses.