Lighting up the future of ‘Dragon Lake’ village in China

May 31, 2021

Signify Foundation improved the life of Longhu Village residents with solar lighting

“As soon as the sun goes down, these streetlights take over and continue lighting common spaces in this little village. Roads outside our homes are beautifully lit, and the lights from afar form a shape like a flying dragon!”, shared Mr. Peng, the first villager we met during our visit.

The name Longhu Village, situated in Guzhang County, Hunan province in China, literally translates to ‘Dragon Lake’ village. It’s one of the most underdeveloped areas in the country. With the nightfall in the past, barely anyone would venture out of their home.

Lighting would extend their social and productive hours, and to enhance feelings of safety and security, thus contributing to a better sense of wellbeing and community, throughout the village. And that’s why Signify China was called upon by our long-term partner China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF).

In the second half of 2019, a unique project committee came together, consisting of the Signify China Corporate Social Responsibility team, system center team and developmental experts from CEPF, supported by the Signify Foundation.

Considering the mountainous landscape and limited grid connectivity in the village, solar outdoor lighting stood out as most suitable and sustainable solution. For lighting design, manufacturing, logistics, installation and, most importantly, community engagement, the team worked closely and finally, right before New Year’s Eve, 200 streetlights were switched on.

Now villagers like Mr. Peng can live a more fulfilled life in the evening – “My beloved little grandson didn’t enjoy staying here earlier as he could only stay indoors in the evening, thus I wasn’t able to see him often. Now, thanks to the lights, I’m able to bring him to the plaza after dinner, and to other neighbors with kids – he stayed here the whole week last week and promised to come back soon!”, he said, with evident joy.

“The lights enabled so many opportunities at night, market activities continue and villagers enjoy their night life. And most of all, it makes such a difference when people see hope; that tomorrow there is a better future”, said the village head.

For the project team, the stories of Mr. Peng and the other villagers validate all the effort and hard work they put in together to share the power of light.

About the authors:

Lily Young

CSR Champion, Signify Greater China

Yue Cui

Foundation Director, Signify Foundation

For further information, please contact:

Signify Global Integrated Communications
Neil Pattie
Tel: + 31 6 15 08 48 17
Email: neil.pattie@signify.com

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2023, we had sales of EUR 6.7 billion, approximately 32,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for seven consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for four consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

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Lighting up the future of ‘Dragon Lake’ village in China

About the authors:

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