Green Light New Orleans Press Release 11/3/2011

PHILIPS ELECTRONICS DONATES NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT LED LIGHTING TO SUPPORT
GREEN LIGHT NEW ORLEANS CITIZENS FOR LIGHT CAMPAIGN

WHAT: 800 Free LEDs for residents participating in Green Light’s free innovative lighting program
WHEN: Beginning October 20th through April 30th goal
WHY: Energy efficiency is the first step towards the creation of a sustainable energy future.
WHO: Open to residents of Orleans Parish who register by phone or online; Volunteers needed to reach milestone undertaking

(New Orleans) -- Green Light New Orleans, a local non-profit that currently offers a free energy efficient light bulb program to residents of New Orleans, received a donation of 800 light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) from Philips Lighting, the global leader in innovative lighting solutions. Philips’ contribution kicks off a new Green Light New Orleans initiative called Citizens For Light, which aims to demonstrate a community-based demand for a sustainable energy future in New Orleans.

Philips Electronics is donating energy efficient LED light bulbs to Green Light’s Citizens For Light campaign with regard to the non-profit’s past accomplishments. Since 2006, thousands of Green Light New Orleans volunteers have installed 282,485 energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for more than 11,000 household participants. 

Green Light New Orleans will now become the first large-scale energy efficient lighting program to install free LEDs for residents in the U.S. LEDs represent the latest in residential lighting technology and are extremely energy efficient and long-lasting. LEDs are more expensive and technologically advanced than conventional bulbs or even CFLs.  Philips LED bulbs feature industry-leading Philips LUXEON LEDs, use 80% less energy, and can last up to 25 years, while offering similar light quality to traditional incandescent bulbs.

“We are very excited that Green Light New Orleans can offer LED light bulbs to New Orleans residents.  This proves that we are approaching the next level of energy efficiency,” says Andreas Hoffmann, founder and executive director of the non-profit.

The goal of the Citizens For Light campaign is to install 343,829 energy efficient light bulbs throughout the city of New Orleans, representing one light bulb per city resident. Achievement of the campaign goal will reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 154 million pounds of CO2, save residents $15.8 million dollars in utility costs, and establish a city-wide movement of individuals in support of sustainable, energy efficient solutions.
 
“Citizens For Light represents a milestone for change.  It’s not just about changing light bulbs; it’s about changing the way we use and think about energy.” states program manager, Bernnel January Jr. “We expect to reach our campaign goal by April or May of 2012, but we need lots of volunteers to reach all of our residential participants. We still have 61,000 light bulbs to install.”

Individual volunteers and volunteer groups wanting to take part in the effort may do so Monday through Saturday by contacting Green Light New Orleans.