Bangkok--18 Aug--Philips Electronics
Advocates new intelligent lighting technologies that enhance urban wellbeing, city security, commerce, entrepreneurism and tourism while securing a sustainable environment for future generation
Bangkok, Thailand — Philips Electronics (Thailand) Ltd., Lighting Sector today highlighted how intelligent lighting solutions have an integral role to play in helping Asian cities including Thailand manage the rapid urbanization of their societies and their transformation into global cities and called upon city planner to make urban health and well-being a core strategic objective, highlighting the role mayors play in providing their residents with safe, livable city environments that are attractive to live, work and do business in.
Mr. Olivier Piccolin, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Asia Commercial of Philips Lighting said that “In today’s highly competitive global environment, the world’s urban population is set to soar to around four billion by 2020 placing more pressure on cities that are already struggling to cope with their existing populations. In this rapidly urban environment, the onus is on city planners to ensure that economic progress is supported by infrastructure development that will ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.”
Mr. Piccolin also added that “Philips’ approach to livable cities is to create meaningful solutions, with a clear view on the needs and priorities of people today. We believe that livable cities and sustainable communities can be developed through private and public sector partnerships that help develop the right technology, business model, alliances and cooperation. Philips will continue to engage government bodies and urban planners to leverage the latest technologies to renovate urban infrastructure and build sustainable urban centers where citizens have access to a high quality of life.”
Lighting is an essential component of urban design. Philips, through city lighting, improves the livability of cities by increasing citizens’ sense of comfort, security, safety and pride in their city. By switching to LED lighting solutions developed by Philips, municipalities will be able to achieve their targets for lowering energy consumption and CO2 emissions, saving as much as 40% of the energy used in older lighting technologies. Significantly longer lifetimes for LED luminaires and lamps can also considerably lower the cost of operation, benefitting the municipality and the taxpayer alike.
Research indicates that public and commercial buildings represent 60% of lighting electricity consumption globally. Through urban infrastructure renovation programs, a switch to new, energy efficient lighting technologies could help achieve an estimated energy saving of up to 40%.
Philips, through city lighting, improves the livability of cities by increasing citizens’ sense of comfort, security and safety with lighting that’s good for the planet, while helping cities enhance their identities, image and appeal. From lighting up the Acropolis to the Sphinx, from illuminating Paris to Rome, Philips creates signature lighting that defines and differentiates public spaces to humanize cities.
For Thailand, according to the Power Development Plan 2010-2030, an average growth rate of the forecasted energy demand during 2010 — 2030 is 4.22 percent per year
Mr.Prakorn Makjumroen, Chairman and Managing Director of Philips Electronics (Thailand) Ltd., said that “Lighting also accounts for about 19% of electricity consumption in Thailand in which rapid economic growth is pushing electricity demand upward. There is an urgent need for energy efficient lighting solutions that provide better light for public infrastructure while simultaneously provide energy efficiency.
“Our energy needs are rising, as are energy costs worldwide. This makes it more likely that Thailand will become increasingly dependent on fuel imports, and more certain that we will need greater investment in power plants and infrastructure if we are to continue to fuel our economic growth.”
Brightening up city life With the rapid development of LED technologies, LED technologies become the innovation to use for lighten up the cities which not only help save energy but also capable of making cities more attractive which could not be achieved with the conventional lighting system before.
A prominent example is the Inner Ring Road (IRR) Bridge in Bangkok. Part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s (Rama IX) ascension to the throne, the IRR Bridge was officially opened on September 9, 2006. This remarkable bridge integrates a state-of-the-art LED architectural lighting system provided by Philips that has helped give it a unique design and personality.
The Thai government chose the LED system because it offers the flexibility for the bridge to present a number of different scenes symbolizing different events. The bridge is not only a vital part of the city administrations plans to alleviate Bangkok’s famous traffic problems it is also now an iconic landmark that gives the city a unique identity and promotes a sense of wellbeing amongst its citizens with over 100,000 people plus people attending the lighting up ceremony.
Other prominent landmarks that are illuminated using energy efficient lighting technology are the Lohaprasada, Ratchanadda Temple, in Bangkok which was built during the reign of King Rama III and the prominent Clock Tower in Chiang-Rai and the Talang Monument in Phuket. All these city monuments have been illuminated by Philips LED lighting systems that help highlight and differentiate these monuments, making them attractive as tourist destinations while leveraging the latest lighting technology to preserve the environment and manage the illumination costs.
Under Philips Lighting Thailand’ product portfolio, this year Philips will introduce a series of LED technology to the Thai market including Philips LED retrofit lamps, Philips ClearLine and EssentialLine road and urban lighting, Philips ColorReach LED Floodlight and Philips LuxSpace LED Downlight.
To demonstrate what LED can do for city beautification, Philips lit up the King Rama VI monument overlooking the Saladaeng junction. The monument was set up as a tribute to King Vajiravudh who bequeathed his land to the people. A total of more than 135 LED Luminaires were used to decorate this monument and its surrounding. The main LED Luminiares used include Philips LED floodlights and Philips LED streetlights with very high efficiency and very long life (lifetime of more than 10 years).
The lighting provides the King Rama VI monument a unique look and feel, allows for people to relax and rest at its site and provides a sense of safety and security.
Phillips appealed to the public and private sector in Thailand to adopt intelligent lighting solutions to drive urban development, enhance public safety and comfort and better manage energy consumption in Thailand.
For further information, please contact:
Pongsak Sangratanachaikul
Corporate Communications Manager
Philips Electronics (Thailand) Ltd.,
Tel 02-6143528
e-mail:
[email protected]
Christina Celestine
Regional Corporate Communications
Royal Philips Electronics
Tel: +603 7965 7488
Email:
[email protected]