Towards a wave of lighting renovation in the EU?
Europe is coming to the rescue of its economy. In early November, Parliament approved the 1.9 trillion euro stimulus package, programmed to allow member countries to bounce back from the economic damage caused by the pandemic. Europe is taking the opportunity to accelerate the energy transition. A large part of these funds is indeed intended for sustainable development and the decarbonization of the economy. Europe took the opportunity to reveal its building renovation strategy.
The rate is too low and the Commission plans to double it over the next 10 years. In any case, the initiative is timely, and has thus provoked many reflections on how to improve the energy efficiency of these places. Companies like Signify, ex Philips Lighting, notably offer plans for renovating lighting, bulbs.
A timely initiative
Buildings represent around 40% of the total energy consumption in the EU. However, only 1% are renovated each year in order to improve their energy efficiency. The Commission therefore intends to double this figure over the next 10 years. Thanks to this initiative, around 35 million buildings could be renovated. This, in addition to accelerating the energy transition, would help create 160,000 jobs. “We want everyone in Europe to have a home that they can economically light, heat or cool without damaging the planet,” said Frans Timmermans, executive vice president of the European Green Deal, adding that the strategy “would improve the places where we work, live and study. “. Among the solutions advanced to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, that of relying heavily on optimization of lighting is gaining ground. It is in any case defended by the company Signify, ex Philips Lighting.
Focus on lighting, a bright idea
This year, Signify achieved 100% carbon neutrality. This feat was achieved by renovating its own buildings, switching to LEDs and using electricity powered by renewable energies. For the company, the biggest lever for improvement would come through a comprehensive lighting change plan. An uncomplicated plan to implement. Or as Signify claims, “as easy as changing a light bulb”. She cites specific examples.
When Deloitte Digital, the consultancy firm, renovated three floors of its Milan office, its focus was clearly on zero carbon footprint. To achieve this goal, the renovation included 250 connected Philips LED luminaires as well as integrated sensors to collect, share and distribute data throughout the office environment. Everything is managed by a single console via the Interact Office software.
High-performance bulbs make it possible to consider reducing carbon footprints to a minimum. The Philips DimTone, for example, is 90% more energy efficient than a standard halogen bulb. Its LED street lighting technology can reduce consumption by up to 50% in the city, or 80% when combined with intelligent remote management.
With the Signify range, facility managers not only saved massive amounts of electricity costs, but also gained valuable insight into the use of their office space. Which improved efficiency and reduced costs.
The green recovery plan is not just a big political step for a more sustainable world. It is also a momentum that mobilizes energies. A synergy is created between public, private and non-market actors. All united by a common interest. Will Signify succeed in conveying its vision on the importance of lighting to non-market stakeholders? Reply to the next issue.
Source Climate Home News