Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions strives to meet the principles of environmental responsibility - both in the way we operate and the products we develop. We aspire to be green by:
Creating an eco-friendly corporate facility
We occupy 50,000 square feet (4,500+ square meters) of office, lab and showroom space that was designed to meet high standards of environmental design. This includes the use of energy-efficient LED lighting wherever possible, with the goal of being entirely LED-lit in the future. Our central lighting system incorporates wall switch occupancy sensors to eliminate wasteful light. We've installed water-saving and energy-saving devices in our restrooms and Energy Star-rated appliances throughout the space, including computers, printers and copiers. In addition, all carpet, flooring, wall board material, paint and workstations meet green standards. We also offer preferential parking for employees who carpool or drive hybrid vehicles.
Promoting the energy efficiency of LED sources
LEDs are up to four times more efficient than incandescent and halogen sources today, and rapidly gaining ground on fluorescent sources. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has estimated cumulative savings of $98 billion by 2020 once LED lighting reaches the performance crossover with conventional sources. We participate in several government and industry initiatives related to energy conservation. As a member of the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance, we're helping to develop a technology roadmap for the DOE and Energy Star criteria for LED lighting. We've also been awarded a $1.7 million DOE grant to develop LED-based replacement lamps for 60-watt incandescent sources that, at 80-lumens per watt, would meet or exceed the efficacy of nearly all conventional light sources. Read more about our energy-related work here: http://www.colorkinetics.com/energy/.
Improving the sustainability of our LED lighting systems
Fortunately, due to their long source life and high reliability, LED-based lighting systems require less frequent recycling than traditional light sources. Still, a growing number of our products can be disassembled for recycling purposes. In addition to Design for Manufacturing processes during development, we are designing systems for easier disassembly. For example, in newer products we use screws or gasket designs vs. adhesives for simpler disassembly. Recyclable materials that we use include polymer and aluminum housings, fasteners, glass lenses and the electronic circuit boards inside our fixtures. Unlike fluorescent sources, LEDs contain no hazardous mercury which makes recycling difficult. Additionally, our product packaging can be recycled and we're in the process of implementing environmentally-friendly packaging materials - foregoing high clay content, color printed materials to facilitate recycling.
Supporting global environmental mandates and initiatives
Just as we aim to meet or exceed all global standards for safety, our product lines also comply with important environmental mandates. In 2006 our products met RoHS compliance ahead of deadline. RoHS calls for the restriction of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment sold into the European market, and similar initiatives are pending worldwide. As per the directive, our products meet or better the mandated levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants. We also support Europe's WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive, and are currently working towards full compliance. Read more about our commitment to regulatory compliance and standards here: http://www.colorkinetics.com/support/regcomp/.
Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions has a strong and solid commitment to the environment and sustainability. Our offices, our products and our people show this commitment every day. Finally, the use of our products by our customers is the most sustainable action of all.
