Kiwis have embraced light emitting diode (LED) lighting with Philips Lighting reporting a 120% increase in sales of LED products in 2011 over 2010. Strong growth is expected to continue this year as more people make the switch to LED from compact fluorescent (CFL) or traditional incandescent lighting.

“The positive response to LED lighting in New Zealand is consistent with international trends. Philips Lighting expects at least 50% of global lighting to be LEDs by as early as 2015, and 75% by the end of this decade,” says Dave Procter, Marketing Manager Philips Lighting.

In 2011, Philips Lighting sold over 70,000 LED bulbs in New Zealand and completed significant lighting upgrade projects using LED products at Christchurch Airport and Eden Park, including colour illumination of the stadium’s south stand.

As well as providing high-quality warm, white light, LED light bulbs are also good for the environment because they are mercury free and use substantially less energy. Philips’ range of LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than an incandescent bulb. They are fully compatible with existing light fittings, making it hassle-free to make the switch.

Dave Procter says: “Philips’ research shows that 7 out of 10 New Zealand consumers are aware of LED bulbs and half of those are willing to purchase these products, with the main reasons for switching to LED being energy savings and the long life span of the bulbs.”
 
For businesses looking to reduce their energy use and costs, given that the direct costs of lighting account for 30% or more of a company’s electricity bill [1] switching to energy-efficient lighting provides one of the best returns on investment. Philips Lighting is a partner for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) lighting subsidy scheme for commercial premises and has been working to provide cost-saving lighting solutions for local companies.

Wellington company Pudney & Lee recently fitted out their entire office using Philips LED lighting, including full LED panels, LED downlights, and LED retrofit bulbs, which deliver additional energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.

“For both households and commercial premises, LED lighting is the way of the future. As well as enabling everyone to do their bit to reduce energy use and reduce their carbon footprint, because LEDs last up to 25 times longer than conventional light sources they are significantly more cost effective over the product lifetime,” says Dave Procter.

[1] http://www.rightlight.govt.nz/business/save-money/better-business