Doha: The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) announced today that its National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) achieved financial savings of approximately QAR 840 million in the current year, while also reducing harmful carbon emissions by 1.2 million tons. According to Qatar News Agency, Director of the Conservation and Energy Efficiency Department at KAHRAMAA, Engineer Rashid Hussein Al Rahimi highlighted the broader impact of the Tarsheed program, describing it as a significant step towards safeguarding Qatar's resources and securing a sustainable future for the next generations. He noted that these achievements align with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, emphasizing that the program's success goes beyond numbers to embody a commitment to environmental stewardship. Al Rahimi's remarks came during the opening session of the Tarsheed Forum for Energy and Water Efficiency 2024, organized by KAHRAMAA and attended by officials from multiple sectors ac ross the country. The forum, which continues until Tuesday, serves as a key platform for discussing advances and strategies in energy and water efficiency. The journey towards sustainability has been marked by critical milestones that have both reduced our environmental footprint and improved the quality of life for citizens, Al Rahimi said. He highlighted achievements such as adopting Gulf water tool specifications for enhanced water efficiency and launching Qatar's Renewable Energy Strategy. Al Rahimi underscored the importance of collective action across all sectors to promote a sustainable culture of consumption. He advocated for the use of advanced technologies to foster energy efficiency as a way of life for future generations, ensuring that sustainable practices become deeply integrated into daily routines. The Tarsheed Forum for Energy and Water Efficiency 2024 provides a vital platform for decision-makers and experts to share insights on energy conservation. The forum's agenda includes five discus sion sessions focused on current trends in energy efficiency, the role of smart systems and solutions, the circular economy, sustainability, and the legislative framework supporting energy efficiency in Qatar. On the first day, participants explored best practices in verifying energy savings, advanced techniques for water loss control, and the Saudi experience in enhancing energy efficiency in commercial buildings. They also discussed the application of artificial intelligence in smart buildings implemented in Spain and the UK, as well as renewable energy prospects, desalination advancements, and energy efficiency in transportation and building management through Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The second day of the forum will address topics such as eco-friendly car racing initiatives, a sustainability assessment tool for water resource management in the Gulf, and various methods to ensure water conservation across facilities. Additional discussions will cover the role of legislation in promoting water efficiency, Kuwait's experience in water conservation during national celebrations, and ways to empower communities by advocating renewable energy solutions. The forum also celebrated the winners of the 2024 Tarsheed competitions and recognized leading institutions in multiple sectors for their efforts in promoting sustainable practices and energy efficiency. These initiatives support KAHRAMAA's mission to lower electricity and water consumption while curbing carbon emissions. An accompanying exhibition showcases the achievements of the Tarsheed program, along with contributions from leading energy efficiency companies and the award-winning projects of the 2024 Tarsheed competitions.
Tuesday, November 05, 2024