Philips Lighting Company Relamps a City Block in Berkeley, California as an Energy Blueprint for Nation

As more businesses focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, the idea of sustainability has become a hot topic. For example, finding sustainable solutions to last year's energy crisis was a necessity. Philips Lighting Company recognized the need for a long-term solution to this problem, and took action with The Philips Lighting Formula—An Energy Blueprint For the Nation. In June, Philips replaced the existing lighting in an entire city block along Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, Calif. with long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting products and in turn cut its projected lighting usage an astounding 45 percent (or 62,712 kWh/yr) annually. By using this block as an example, Philips sought to show businesses that simple measures can create long-term solutions to the energy problem.

Lamps of every kind, from common household light bulbs to industrial fluorescent tubes, were replaced with the most energy-efficient light bulbs throughout Telegraph Avenue, which was a mix of businesses, restaurants and residential apartment complexes. This grassroots effort was intended as a blueprint for energy conservation, illustrating how simple changes, such as switching to energy-efficient lighting products, can result in dramatic savings for any facility.

"A big part of the projected savings came from installing Philips Alto^® T8 fluorescent lamps, which are the only tubes that are considered non-hazardous waste at all stages of life in California," said Larry Wilton, President and CEO, Philips Lighting Company North America. "The key to finding sustainable solutions is to begin by using the terrific technology that is currently at our fingertips."

If other cities across the country were to take these same steps, collectively the savings would be astronomical.** For example:

• New York's Times Square could save 23 million kWh and $5.8 million annually
• Chicago's Miracle Mile could save 45 million kWh and $3.6 million annually
• The Strip in Las Vegas could save 105 million kWh and $8.4 million annually
• Dallas' Downtown could save 51.5 million kWh and $4.1 million annually
• Baltimore's Inner Harbor 2.1 million kWh and $168 thousand annually

** Based on 1995 U.S. Average and costs for lighting in commercial retail space. 7 kWh/ft2 for lighting and $0.54/ft2 using the national average of $.08/kWh (source: OE/EIA:CBECS 1998) - New York is based on its current rate of $.16/kWh; dollars savings based on an average 25-percent reduction in electricity use. 25 percent is a conservative estimate, individual comparison: compact fluorescent lamps vs. incandescent = 75-percent savings and T* fluorescent vs. T12 fluorescent = 40-percent savings.

ALTO® Universal T8 fluorescent lamps — ALTO Universal T8 fluorescent lamps boast a full rated life of up to 20,000 hours (or 24,000 hours for PLUS or Advantage lamps) on all T8 ballast types, including instant start, rapid start, programmed start and hybrid ballasts. By switching to ALTO Universal lamps, lamp replacement and labor costs can be deferred by up to 15 months and money savings can reach upwards of two dollars per lamp.

Marathon™ compact fluorescent lamps — Philips' line of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) — the Marathon bulbs — eliminates the hassle of having to change a light bulb every few months and is guaranteed to last five years. Additionally, Philips Marathon bulbs boast considerable energy-saving benefits by using 75 percent less energy than an incandescent. By replacing a standard incandescent bulb with a Philips Marathon bulb, the average consumer saves at least $26 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb.

Halogená™ halogen light bulbs — Halogená™ halogen light bulbs —Philips offers a complete line of decorative and classic Halogená halogen light bulbs. Lasting up to 3,000 hours, the Halogená line combines long life with a whiter light than standard incandescent bulbs, even when dimmed. Additionally, a Halogená bulb provides 20 to 40 percent greater light output than an incandescent. Therefore the Halogená bulb can be dimmed to a lower wattage for a significant energy savings.