LONDON: Philips Lighting has announced it is purchasing renewable electricity in the Gulf – taking the company a step closer to its goal of sourcing entirely renewable electricity across its global operations.
Philips Lighting is a member of RE100 – The Climate Group’s leadership initiative now uniting 96 influential businesses committed to 100% renewable power, delivered in partnership with CDP. Philips Lighting aims to make the transition by 2020, helping to deliver on its wider goal of being carbon neutral by the same year.
In collaboration with ECOHZ, the leader in energy efficient lighting will source traceable renewable electricity from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA’s) Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, in Dubai, using the pioneering International REC Standard (I-REC).
The I-REC Standard is a system for documenting renewable energy consumption in regions where no similar scheme exists. It is available in a growing number of countries and meets the RE100 criteria.
THE BUSINESS CASE
But transitioning to 100% renewable electricity isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s also good for business – with benefits ranging from increased competitiveness and innovation, to stable costs and financial savings.
Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group, said: “Going 100% renewable makes business sense, and solutions are possible – wherever operations are based.
“It is inspiring to see Philips Lighting working to source renewables in an oil dominated market. Together, RE100 members are creating change, and accelerating progress to a low carbon economy.”
Philips Lighting is the first major international company to secure its renewable energy consumption in the Gulf region in this way. The renewable energy certificates will be issued by the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (Dubai Carbon).
Nicola Kimm, Head of Sustainability, Environment, Health & Safety, Philips Lighting, said: “To keep our planet on course with the Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change, we must fully switch to renewable sources of electricity. Partnering with ECOHZ enables us to keep to our part in this fiduciary duty.”
DRIVING THE TRANSITION
According to ECOHZ, currently only 1% of electricity in the Gulf region is generated from renewable sources, and with great interest in renewable energy from multinationals operating in the region, this is not enough.
“Philips Lighting is taking a bold first mover step and is a great example of how corporate action can show this demand for traceable, credible renewable electricity,” said Tom Lindberg, Managing Director, ECOHZ.
Pedro Faria, Technical Director, CDP, added: “We urge other international companies in the region to follow suit by procuring and reporting renewable energy in 2017. We can all help the transition to a low carbon economy.”
