54|CUADERNOS El alumbrado en las PYMES: innovación, eficiencia energéti- ca y motor de crecimiento The lighting in SMEs: innovation, ener- gy efficiency and a growth engine. Las PYMES representan aproximadamente el 99% del tejido empresarial actual en España. Si te- nemos en cuenta que el 70% de las instalaciones de iluminación de las empresas son ineficientes energéticamente, los retos y las oportunidades que se plantean son inmensas. Créditos > Text/Texto - Images/Fotos: Philips SMEs account for about 99% of current business in Spain. Considering that 70% of the lighting systems are energy inefficient companies, the challenges and opportunities we are facing are immense. T echnological advances in recent times allow not only obtaining great savings, but they also in- fluence on the company’s turnover and improving the brand image. LED technology is the biggest advance in the field of lighting since the invention of artificial light. Among the advantages, compared to other conventional lighting sources, it is prominent the significant energy savings (over 80%), their lower maintenance costs, longer life, the ab- sence of heavy metals (which facilitates recycling), versatility and adaptability to different spaces, instant-switching on, colour range, etc. In parallel, there are management systems and lighting controls that allow you to do automatic on-off lighting (via presence detection or daylight contribu- tion) or the regulation and dynamics of light which can adapt environment to the needs of the moment, both for functional and decorative lighting. New energy efficient lighting technologies Between 15% and 35% of the energy consumed by SMEs is in lighting. The combination of LED technology and the control and management systems may incur energy savings between 50% and 80%, with the subsequent economic savings. These figures show a very short period of payback on investment and can be lower than a year depending on the original installation. LED technology has other advantages which may also result in cost savings. As they do not emit heat, they reduce air conditioning needs of the space, a very interesting aspect for shops, hotels, cafeterias or spaces that require very low temperatures, such as refrigerators in supermarket or at an industrial level. Current solutions are tailored to all the needs of efficient lighting that can arise in small and medium enterprises. But light can provide much more than energy savings. A proper lighting can be an engine of growth and business improve- ment as well as a source of differentia- tion for brands. Light as engine of innovation and growth Spaces like the facade or the reception of a company are the first impression recei- ved by customers and visitors. Impro- ving the image of these spaces through light are made possible by new technolo- gies. LEDs allow illuminating the facades at night with the corporate colours or changing colours to adapt to different needs (an event, a special date, etc.) in an energy-efficient way. This lighting can also be a publicity gimmick during the night for people traveling around. The lighting textiles are a great so- lution for the reception area of offices and hotels. This system consists of LED modules which can display dynamic content and softening, at the same time, the noise. Adapting the hall of a hotel to an event that happens on their premises or accompany the course of the day with changes in the decoration is possible and easy. All these actions enhance the company’s image, increasing the value of brands. Light influences the welfare and comfort of the people. Restaurants, cafes and hotels are places where people want to have a pleasant atmosphere, both to rest and to enjoy a good conversation or try a delicious menu. The right amount