Business & Money | Tuesday 17 November, 2015 10:57 am |

Philips SLC, a leading lighting solutions provider in the Kingdom, today announced it will collaborate with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), one of the world’s largest diversified chemicals company, to showcase it latest LED lighting innovations. 

 

Through SABIC’s Home of Innovation™ regional growth initiative, featuring a state-of-the-art, resource-efficient facility in Riyadh, Philips SLC will help inspire the Kingdom and Middle East region to think about what innovations and sustainable solutions including lighting could be adopted locally. 

 

KSA is facing challenges such as a growing population, and rapid urbanization. At the same time, demand for energy and natural resources is also sharply increasing. Now more than ever, energy efficient lighting solutions are necessary to address those challenges and to create safe and welcoming cities. At the Home of Innovation™ facility, Philips SLC will showcase its latest innovations in LED systems and solutions to address the changing dynamics amid rapid urbanization and population expansion. 

 

Commenting on the project, Khalid Al Hobayb, General Manager of Philips SLC, said “Home of Innovation provides us not only an opportunity to showcase our LED lighting systems but also the chance to collaborate with SABIC to identify market needs and develop the solutions.” “LED lighting systems are highly efficient, long lasting, have a high reliability and are inherently controllable - enabling both new and traditional applications of light. Through this initiative, Philips SLC is determined to collaborate with SABIC to deliver the most innovative and sustainable solutions to improve people’s lives.” 

 

A recent study by the Saudi Centre for Energy Efficiency  confirmed that Saudi Arabia's energy consumption is amongst the highest in the world, with an average per capita consumption of electricity that is twice the global average. Lighting is responsible for 19% of worldwide electricity use, presenting a significant opportunity for energy savings in the home, in offices, buildings and roads in the Kingdom. LED lighting can save up to 80% of energy consumption and last for 15 years.

 

“SABIC is excited to collaborate with Philips SLC in shaping the future with exciting new lighting applications and platforms such as connected LED technology,” said Abdullah Al-Refaie, Home of Innovation Director. “This initiative is a focal point for those committed to innovation and growth, bringing together the best minds and organizations interested in the future of the Middle East region. The Home of Innovation™ initiative, including the facility we are building in Riyadh, educates visitors about the challenges faced in the region and the opportunities they present.”

 

The Home of Innovation™ facility, consisting of a Collaboration Center and a Demonstration Home, is currently under construction in Riyadh’s Techno-Valley at King Saud University, alongside the SABIC Plastics Application Development Center (SPADC).  It will showcase innovative yet commercially available systems and products that can be used to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency and sustainable building operation.

 

Sustainability is at the heart of Philips and serves as a catalyst for innovation, having pioneered many energy efficiency breakthroughs in lighting over its 123-year history including the introduction of the compact fluorescent lamp in 1980.