THE BUSINESS OF LIGHT: ‘Energy-conscious living on the rise in Phl’

In a world where every watt counts, Filipinos are learning to rethink something we once took for granted: light.

- By KATHERINE L. MAGSANOC

EFFICIENT AND WELLNESS-ORIENTED. What was once a purely functional utility has become an investment in comfort, productivity, and long-term sustainability. Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash

(Patrick Schneider on Unsplash)

More than just a switch on the wall, lighting today sits at the intersection of wellness, efficiency, and economic sense — shaping how we live, work, and even how businesses thrive.

This growing awareness, often called "light energy consciousness," is changing homes, offices, and industries across the Philippines.

The Department of Energy (DOE) notes that lighting can account for up to 20 percent of household electricity use. This is why the move from traditional bulbs to LEDs has been one of the fastest, most effective energy transitions in recent years.

LEDs use up to 85 percent less energy and last far longer - savings that appeal not just to households but to SMEs and large enterprises.

But Filipino consumers today aren’t simply looking for “brighter” or “cheaper” lighting. According to the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2), the demand is shifting toward lighting that is efficient, multipurpose, and wellness-oriented. What was once a purely functional utility has become an investment in comfort, productivity, and long-term sustainability.