The Elecnor Foundation and Philips sign a collaboration agreement to foster energy efficiency and rational energy use
Spain`s most internationalised companies regard CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) as important or very important in the international context in which they operate. This is one of the findings of a report entitled Internationalisation and Social Responsibility in Spanish companies, produced by the Global Centre for Sustainable Business of Deusto Business School, with the support of the Elecnor Foundation.
Ignacio Prado, Trustee of the Elecnor Foundation, and Ángeles Barrios, Head of Communication and CSR at Philips Ibérica, today signed a collaboration agreement to develop joint initiatives to promote energy efficiency and rational energy use, thereby benefitting society, companies and institutions.
This agreement is based on a common objective for both companies. For the Elecnor Foundation, the initiative underscores its staunch commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability by undertaking projects and seeking solutions which foster more efficient consumption, which in turn directly impacts savings and profits thereby aiding the sustainable development and preservation of the environment.
For its part, Philips focuses on developing energy efficient solutions aimed at all segments but with a particular emphasis on lighting, as well as concerns for all aspects of environmental responsibility. In 2013, sales of green products accounted for 51% of the group's total turnover while investment in sustainable innovation totalled EUR 509 million, EUR 327 million of which was earmarked for efficient lighting R&D.
Under the terms of this collaboration agreement, Philips and the Elecnor Foundation will carry out joint initiatives in the following areas: dissemination and loyalty programmes; efficient lighting initiatives within the framework of the 2011-2020 Energy Saving and Efficiency Plan (2011-2020 ESEP); joint dissemination and collaboration actions with public administrations in this area; provision of technical advice by Philips regarding efficient lighting to all technicians taking part in the projects carried out by the Elecnor Foundation and collaboration on national and international social infrastructure projects promoted by the Elecnor Foundation where Philips will provide energy efficient solutions and supplies and technical advice.
First joint project
The first project under this agreement is the efficient construction of the Ronald McDonald House in Madrid. The Elecnor Foundation has been involved with this project since May 2013 after signing an agreement with the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation to design, develop and build energy efficient housing and has also made a EUR 300,000 donation. This amounts to the average annual upkeep of a Ronald McDonald House.
Philips has now also come on board, equipping the house with efficient LED lighting and control systems. This will entail estimated savings of around 70% compared to traditional technology. Philips is also expected to provide small electrical appliances for the house.
The Ronald McDonald House in Madrid, which is nearing completion, will be open to children receiving treatment at the Niño Jesús Children's Hospital, along with family members, whose habitual place of residence is a considerable distance from the Spanish capital.
This 3000-m2 house established by the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation is located in the hospital's grounds and can accommodate 23 families every day in its separate apartments. The building is equipped with highly efficient technologies including solar thermal power systems to heat water along with a geo-thermal heat pump. Hot and cold water for the HVAC system is produced using geo-thermal heat pumps and electricity is produced by PV solar panels. All of these initiatives will help reduce energy consumption and bring energy savings of around 46.5% as well as slashing CO2 emissions by 52.45 tonnes, or the equivalent of planting over 8,700 trees.
