The real wealth of a nation lies in its natural resources. Saving its resources is the least thing one can do for the country. Saving water and electricity is the most important thing everyone should practice from childhood.
Qatar is at the forefront in its efforts to save its natural resources, keeping its future generations in mind. The nationwide campaign under Tarsheed programme aimed at rationalising the consumption of electricity and water is one among them and it has made major accomplishments.
The Tarsheed programme, run by Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), helped reduce over 10.6 million carbon emission since its launch in 2012 till 2017. Collective efforts under the programme have brought significant results in terms of rationalising the consumption utilities in Qatar. The year-on-year consumption of electricity and water witnessed double-digit decline in November 2018. The consumption in November 2018 fell by 16.7 percent and 16.8 percent, respectively compared to the corresponding month in 2017.
Even when compared on monthly basis, the demand for electricity in November saw a sharp fall of 29 percent and water by 7.1 percent compared to October 2018 consumption levels. The accomplishment is big given the fact the significant reduction in the consumption of utilities, especially the electricity utilisation, was achieved when the total population of the country surged by 2.8 percent over the year.
The Tarsheed programme, in line of the Qatar Development Strategy 2018-22, has set a target to reduce per capita electricity and water consumption to 8 and 15 percent, respectively. The various initiatives helped save QR5bn over the last six years.
This shows the coordinated efforts by the various authorities in the country. The efficiency of energy systems can be achieved through cooperation and exchange of expertise on best practices in different energy uses at various levels, such as reducing carbon emissions, and the use of renewable energy sources, as well as the development of appropriate legislation in various energy activities and the adoption of effective financial practices. The importance of awareness campaigns on the dangers of climate change and its consequences also helped the country to achieve its target. The implementation of efficient energy management programmes has become not just a goal but a way of life in Qatar.
The fall in the demand can also be largely attributed to the enforcement of high product standards and efficiency improvements in electric and electronic appliances, including the air-conditioners, television sets and lighting devices, which is part of the Tarsheed campaign programme. Various other initiatives and awareness programmes on the consumption pattern such as Kahramaa sending SMS services to inform subscribers about their consumption, legal proceedings against the misuse and wastage of water and electricity, helped conserve the consumption of electricity and water.
