It is estimated that about 14 million in quantity of T8 and T12 fluorescent lights are available in business sector while 20% of them are using an even older version -- T12. And it emits 812 million kg of CO2 per annum.
"Apart from environmental benefits, the use of energy-saving lighting has economic benefits too. Saving electricity costs means greater competitiveness and this in turn is conducive to economic growth," said Rowena Lee, General Manager of Lighting Division of Philips.
Three proposals are provided by Philips to business sector for energy saving :
1. Retrofit without changing EM ballast, which save 17%
Super80 30W tri-phosphor tube is energy saver to retrofit traditional T8 36w or T12 40w. If one uses this tube to replace the traditional 36w standard tube, one can save 17% in energy consumption.
For instance, if an office has 12,000 fluorescent lights, replacing the traditional version with the Super80 30w tri-phosphor tube, an annual saving of HK$220,000 can be achieved, based on the daily usage of 12 hours and the tariff rate of HK$1 per kW/hour.
2. Uplamping with electronic ballast and Super80 T8, which save 20%
Besides wattage consumption from fluorescent lights, there is ballast wattage loss. It takes 9w and 4w in T8 magnetic (EM ballast) and T8 electronic (EL ballast) respectively. Based on system approach, it brings us 20% saving and around HK$5,000 per annum for 100 tubes if we shift to T8 Super80 with EL ballast. Moreover, it prolongs the lifetime from 12000hrs to 20000hrs.
3. Lighting system for New light point or Renovation project, which save 36%
36% can be saved if these enterprises shift to using High Output Ratio recessed luminaire, such as the OLC T5 recessed luminaire, which employs the latest, state-of-the-art lighting technology and design. The optic design is characterized by its three-dimensional surface and concave shape. Coupled with the use of reflective materials, the output ratio is 15% better than traditional recessed luminaire. In addition, OLC recessed luminaire gives better control in glare and provides high quality visual environment.
"As the world's largest manufacturer of lighting equipment, we at Philips have a social responsibility to develop the most energy-saving products for our customers worldwide. This has been our passion for the past century and we will maintain this momentum in the years to come," she said.
It is estimated that if Hong Kong's business sector commit and shift to energy-saving lighting devices, we could save 230 million kg of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the CO2 emission of more than 11 million trees per year.
"Green lighting devices save electricity, and this in turn reduces the emissions from the power stations and contributes to environmental protection," said Ms Lee.
