It’s not always just about the technology. Clearly we have a lot of great cleantech to choose from these days, be it in energy generation (solar), energy efficiency (LED lighting), clean transportation (electric vehicles), etc. but sometimes it’s the business model behind the technology and how we apply it that makes all the difference and drives acceptance.
A great recent example of this is a new collaboration between the Schiphol Group, Cofely and Royal Philips who have entered into an agreement to offer light as a service in the terminal buildings at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Providing light as a service means that Schiphol pays for the light it uses, while Philips remains the owner of all fixtures and installations. Philips and Cofely will be jointly responsible for the performance and durability of the system and ultimately its re-use and recycling at end of life. By using energy-efficient LED lamps, a 50% reduction in electricity consumption will be achieved over conventional lighting systems.
By applying circular economy principles, Schiphol Group, Cofely and Philips have created a new standard in the transition towards sustainable lighting. The innovative light design also provides a better lighting experience and is part of an extensive renovation of the terminal intended to increase passenger comfort and capacity at Schiphol.
In association with architects Kossmann.dejong and Philips Design, lighting fixtures were specially developed for the airport that will last 75% longer than other conventional fixtures as the design of the fixtures improved the serviceability and therefore improved the lifetime. In addition, the fixture components can be individually replaced. This will reduce maintenance costs and means that the entire fixture does not have to be recycled, resulting in the greatest possible reduction in raw material consumption.
Jos Nijhuis, CEO and president of Schiphol Group, said, “It is Schiphol’s ambition to become one of the most sustainable airports in the world. We believe in a circular economy and want to play an active role in its realization. The collaboration with Philips and Cofely marks a good step in this direction. Together we left the beaten path to develop an innovative, out-of-the-box solution. We set a new standard that matches the ambition level of the airport.”
Frank van der Vloed, General Manager, Philips Lighting Benelux, said, “We are pleased to make an important contribution to Schiphol’s ambitious sustainability targets. We believe that more and more forward-thinking businesses will move to a Light as a Service model. After all, most of us are used to this kind of model – for example I drink water but I don’t have a reservoir in my basement. Many people are used to pay-as-you-go models. Add to this considerable energy savings from LED technology and the sustainability of the overall system and the proposition is compelling.
Hans van Happen, COO Cofely Nederland NV: “As the main contractor, Cofely is always on the look-out for innovative, energy-saving solutions that contribute to Schiphol’s business objectives. This innovative partnership with Schiphol and Philips matches perfectly with Cofely’s ambition to play a leading role in the energy transition.”
Philips will retain ownership of all the equipment, Schiphol Group will lease it for the duration of the contract. At the end of the contract, fixtures will be re-used elsewhere after upgrading, resulting in maximum resource reduction.
Supported by Cofely’s round-the-clock presence at Schiphol, Philips and Cofely can provide real-time management of the lighting system to generate an optimal lighting experience and sustainability. At the same time they will also be responsible for the intensity and reliability of the lighting, based on a KPI model.
