Philips in traceable renewable energy first in Dubai
Philips Lighting is the first major corporate to procure traceable renewable electricity via renewable energy certificates in the Gulf region.
Philips Lighting is one of 96 influential companies committed to 100 per cent renewable power and is a member of the collaborative, global RE100 initiative.
The lighting technology specialist secures its energy consumption through International REC Standard (I-REC), a global standard for documenting renewable energy consumption used in regions where no similar documentation scheme exists.
It is available in a growing number of countries and meets robust criteria from RE100, the Climate Group and CDP’s global initiative for influential businesses committed to 100 per cent renewable power.
This latest step adds to the growing number of Philips Lighting operations fully powered by renewable electricity, living up to the commitments outlined in the company’s sustainability vision: Brighter Lives, Better World.
This includes targets to be carbon neutral by 2020, and use only electricity coming from renewable sources in the same year.
“Currently, around one per cent of electricity in the Gulf region is generated from renewable sources. Looking at the great interest in renewable energy from multinationals operating in the region, this is not enough, said Tom Lindberg, managing director at ECOHZ which is collaborating with Philips Lighting on the initiative.
“Philips Lighting is taking a bold first step and is a great example of how corporate action can show this demand for traceable, credible renewable electricity.”
The renewable energy certificates will be issued by the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (Dubai Carbon) that has recently been appointed as the local I-REC issuer for the United Arab Emirates.
The I-REC secretariat is working together with the I-REC Standard board and Dubai Carbon to ensure the I-REC Standard is implemented in the UAE in a reliable and transparent manner.
“Philips Lighting is showing real leadership by being the first corporate to complete an I-REC transaction in the Gulf region. Philips Lighting’s renewable-energy leadership sends a clear signal that companies in the Gulf region want traceable and credible renewable electricity, added Pedro Faria, technical director at CDP.
“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.”
The electricity is supplied to Philips Lighting from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA’s) Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.
Source: smartcitiesworld
