Rising operating costs drive energy-saving lighting solutions

Monday, Jul 26, 2010

Energy-saving bulbs, timers and sensors can cut electricity bills by 80% and reduce CO2 emissions says organiser of the Lighting at Middle East Electricity show

With utility bills for commercial buildings throughout the UAE rising by over 50% in the last two years many companies are installing energy-saving bulbs, timers and sensors that can cut electricity costs by up to 80% and reducecarbon emissions.

Furthermore designers and developers throughout the region are now including cost-effective and sustainable lighting solutions in many of the estimated $2.8 trillion worth of construction projects underway in the GCC to comply with LEED (green building) standards and to position developments favourably in a crowded and highly competitive commercial and office real estate market.

According to Anita Mathews, Exhibition Director of Middle East Electricity, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 8 to 10 February 2011, it is the financial as well as environmental issues that are driving energy-efficient lighting solutions.

“Energy-saving light bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than conventional bulbs as well as saving an average of 9kg of CO2 per year per fitting. LED lighting, meanwhile, can save up to 70% in electricity costs. In addition, timers and movement sensors are increasingly being installed in commercial buildings to save electricity when rooms are unoccupied and corridors are empty. The potential savings for industry from lighting alone is colossal.”

Manufacturers are also investing heavily in research and development to produce smart technology to primarily help reduce running costs of lighting in all areas both inside and outside. They also reduce carbon emissions, so it has universal appeal to governments and organisations which are environmentally aware and take responsibility for their carbon footprint.

Commercial and industrial businesses in Dubai were shocked at the end of the first quarter back in 2008. When they received their utility bills many found that the cost of their electricity had increased by as much as 65% as Dubai moved to curb excessive consumption.

A new tariff structure introduced on March 2008 by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) - aimed at encouraging energy consumers to use less by paying more – meant their annual energy bills of around AED2.5 to AED3 million rose by almost AED2 million.

“Just imagine the potential savings for a manufacturing facility,” said Mathews. “Lighting is taken for granted everyday but the annual Earth Hour in March is a reminder of the global importance of conserving energy. This is a relatively untapped but growing market in the Middle East, as governments and business look for sustainable alternatives,” said Mathews.

Middle East Electricity, the region’s largest trade show for the power and energy sector is now in its 36^th year. Rated by both visitors and exhibitors as the leading energy event of its kind in the world, Lighting at Middle East Electricity is the only proven trade show to attract 6,500 unique key decision makers from over 87 different countries, making it an integral part of the exhibition.

Overall Middle East Electricity is recognised as the region’s international meeting place for the power industry with the 2010 show featuring almost 1,000 exhibitors with an attendance of 49,000 visitors from 105 countries.

The key sectors of Middle East Electricity include power generation, transmission and distribution; commercial, industrial and residential lighting, water, new & renewable and nuclear energy.  Almost 70% of exhibition space has already been sold for next year’s event.

About Middle East Electricity

Middle East Electricity is the region’s largest trade show for the power and energy sector. The event is regularly rated by exhibitors and visitors as the leading event of its kind anywhere in the world. The main focuses include power generation, transmission and distribution; commercial, industrial and residential lighting; water; new and renewable energy; and nuclear energy. For more details, visit www.middleeastelectricity.com

Middle East Electricity is organised by IIR Middle East, the largest trade and consumer event business in the region with a portfolio of more than 40 large scale events across a variety of industries.  IIR Middle East is part of Informa plc (www.informa.com) the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with more than 10,000 events annually.

Media contact

Nathalie Visele

Shamal Marketing Communications

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tel: +9714 365 2711

Cell: +971 50 457 6525

Email: nathalie@smc-pr.com

Source: Middle East Electricity