Date Announced: 03 Oct 2011 Regent Street, Blyth, United Kingdom – Philips has partnered with Northumberland County Council to provide the diverse and vibrant Regent Street in Blyth with a low maintenance lighting solution that produces high quality white light. Northumberland County Council not only required a low maintenance solution that was environmentally friendly, but it needed a solution that could serve a diverse environment; from densely populated communities and businesses, to industrial sites in and around Blyth town centre and Quayside. As local authorities face increased pressure to meet cost saving targets, they are looking at innovative solutions to help address these challenges. As a leader in LED lighting, Philips was able to provide Regents Street with a solution that further enhanced the feeling of safety and security in the heart of the vibrant active community through improved light quality at night, whilst also reducing maintenance costs and time. Philips’ SpeedStar luminaire, incorporating LEDGINE Greenline, was the perfect fit for this project, combining an innovative carbon neutral design with a long lifetime of 60,000 hours; signaling an end to the hassle and cost of regular maintenance. More specifically, this solution offers savings of up to £10,000 through reduced maintenance alone. SpeedStar also incorporates the easy-to-upgrade LEDGINE which provides a future-proof solution that can also be connected to lighting regulation systems for further savings. While this solution benefits from reduced maintenance costs it does not compromise on the quality of light. The SpeedStar luminaire benefits from excellent lighting levels and superior colour rendering. The luminaire’s white light, perceived as being brighter and more natural when compared to yellow light, increases visibility for motorists, pedestrians and residents, thereby creating a safer environment. This was particularly important for communities in this area, as Regent Street sits within one of the country’s most deprived wards; the number of households with no access to a vehicle is nearly twice the national average (ONS Census 2001) meaning a greater reliance on safe pedestrian links to local services and facilities. Andy Rutherford (Head of Highways and Neighbourhood Services) said “Philips has not only provided us with a solution that requires less maintenance, but one that we feel has transformed this street in terms of safety and security. The solution’s excellent light quality has enhanced the street’s ambience and made it more liveable. We hope that the area’s residents now feel safer when being outdoors in the evening thanks to the brightness of the light.” Due to the ongoing developments in LED innovation, many councils have delayed investing into the technology for fear that it will become outdated. However, with LEDGINE technology, tool-less serviceability and upgrades mean councils can switch with confidence. Philips tailored the project’s installations to meet the requirements of a coastal location. To protect these, Philips used an IPX700 marine grade coating on all new columns.About Royal Philips ElectronicsRoyal 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 about 117,000 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.
Contact
Media Relations Manager Philips Electronics, Corporate Communications UK Barbara Neate Tel; +44 1483 293 071
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