In partnership with the World Green Building Council, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is enabling the development of more ‘Green Buildings’ by turning innovative and intelligent lighting solutions into people benefits in ways that are environmentally responsible and cost-effective. From September 17 to 21, World Green Building Week shines a spotlight on the key role of buildings in conserving natural resources, saving money and creating jobs while providing healthier places to live, work and play.

“The ‘green building agenda’ will give us the opportunity to tackle the global carbon issue, and the benefits go beyond vast reductions in energy consumption and associated budget cuts”, says Harry Verhaar, Head of Public Affairs Philips Lighting. “Our innovative lighting solutions will continue to drive forward the tangible benefits for stakeholders that own or occupy buildings. Buildings using LED lighting will become more pleasant places to work, with improved productivity a key gain for public and corporate organizations, while at the same time adding value to these buildings, and the related renovation of buildings creates jobs in the construction sector, a most welcome benefit in current economic times.”
 
 
Lighting is responsible for 35% of energy consumption in buildings. Intelligent Lighting controls in buildings are capable of saving up to 70% of that energy usage. While occupants consume energy by using light in buildings, intelligent controls automatically switch lights off when the space is empty, and adjust lighting levels based on the amount of natural daylight. The controls monitor energy savings, allow lighting to be customized to each work environment, and give occupants control of their own lighting. Already many buildings are deemed ‘Green Buildings’ - certified by international regulations such as LEED or BREEAM or leading local standards. Examples of Green Buildings where Philips has provided innovative lighting solutions are Skanska Property in Poland, and Marks & Spencer Food Store in the UK..
 
During the World Green Building Week 2012, worldwide many activities take place. Besides being a global partner of the World Green Building Council, Philips is also active member of several local Green Building Councils.
 
•    During the Dutch Green Building Council Week, Philips partners with the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) to discuss the rising energy costs, legislation and corporate social responsibility to ‘green up’ commercial real estate and discuss opportunities energy efficient LED lighting solutions offer to green buildings.
•    Philips is silver sponsor of the Greenbuilding International Conference 2012 in Brasil, and speaker of ‘The Intelligent Illumination and its Contribution in Sustainable Buildings’.
•    Besides sponsoring the Green Building Conference 2012 in Singapore, Philips is also key note speaker covering ‘new developments in digital LED lighting solutions which allows further embedding and integration of lighting solutions into buildings, bringing green building standards to the next level’.