The future of lighting showcased at Christchurch Airport

February 10, 2012

The future of lighting showcased at Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport is the first airport in New Zealand to convert to the latest smart and energy-efficient lighting technology in its terminal, in line with it being the first carbon neutral airport company in the Southern Hemisphere, and the second worldwide.

Philips Lighting and Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL) with assistance from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), is replacing 1,700 light fittings in the terminal with LED technology, providing high quality inviting lighting that not only stacks up aesthetically, but also delivers major energy savings.

LED lighting is up to 80% more efficient than traditional incandescent lighting, so Christchurch Airport will reduce its annual lighting load by more than 60% when the new LED and energy-efficient lighting is installed. As well as saving 70 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, the reduction in energy use will have significant benefits for the bottom line.

“Making the switch to energy efficient lighting provides us with both environmental and financial benefits, without any compromise on the quality of lighting. Philips has delivered a solution fitting our vision for Christchurch Airport to be recognised as New Zealand’s leading tourism gateway,” says Andy Lester, CIAL Chief Operating Officer.

Philips has provided a turnkey project solution for the new LED lighting, including design consultation, financial modeling, managing the installation with local Christchurch contractor Arnold Jensen Electrical, commissioning and overall project management.

Philips expects the take-up of LED lighting to occur rapidly, as growing energy costs and environmental awareness drive businesses and individuals to look at where efficiencies can be made.

“The environmental and financial benefits of LED lighting are significant. Globally, Philips expects at least 50% of global lighting to be LEDs by as early as 2015, and 75% by the end of this decade,” says Gordon Wiffen, Commercial Manager, Philips Lighting.

EECA has found switching to energy efficient lighting provides one of the best returns on investment for companies looking to reduce their energy use.

“Lighting accounts for about a fifth of the electricity used in commercial buildings so there’s a lot of potential for savings for both individual companies and the country as a whole” says Bill Brander, EECA’s Lighting Programme Manager. “For example, reducing electricity use by just 20% through use of more efficient lighting and controls has the potential to save 1.4 petajoules or over $40 million of energy at a national level.”

“By providing an advanced lighting solution for Christchurch Airport we have been able to bring them the benefits of LED lighting right here and now,” says Mr Wiffen.

The Christchurch International Airport redevelopment is due for completion late 2012.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.” Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter

About Christchurch International Airport – New Zealand’s Tourism Gateway

Christchurch International Airport welcomes almost 6 million passengers a year, ranking as New Zealand’s second largest airport. The Airport occupies a unique position economically, as the South Island’s busiest and most strategic air connection to the world’s trade and tourism markets. In addition, the airport plays an important role as the South Island’s major domestic hub servicing all New Zealanders, enabling passengers to connect to a full spectrum of destinations throughout New Zealand. Christchurch International Airport is a major driver of the regional Canterbury economy, generating airport precinct related jobs for nearly 5000 people.

Christchurch International Airport is owned and operated by Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL). CIAL was established as a limited liability company in 1988, and ownership of CIAL is now shared by Christchurch City Holdings Limited with 75% and the New Zealand Government with 25%. The company’s vision is to be recognised as New Zealand’s leading tourist gateway.

Christchurch International Airport is a carbon neutral company and has received carboNZero certification from Landcare Research following a detailed measurement and analysis process. CIAL is the first airport company in the Southern Hemisphere to attain certified carbon neutral status and is the second carbon neutral certified airport company in the world.

About the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is the Crown agency that encourages, supports, and promotes energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy in New Zealand. EECA provides information, funding and advice to businesses through EECA BUSINESSTM. www.eecabusiness.govt.nz.

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