Qatar has reduced power usage by 18%, and water usage by 20%

Yesterday, as the first phase of the five-year National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) concluded, it was announced that Qatar has managed to reduce 18% of its electricity consumption, and 20% of its water usage. 

In 2013, according to Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), Qatar had the highest per capita water consumption in the world—ironic considering the country is a desert, and one would think that impacts awareness.

At the time, the Kahramaa President Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari called, “on all nationals and expatriates to think about sustainability and save water for the coming generations.”

Since then, various campaigns have encouraged residents to cut water and power usage as part of the push to meet the requirements of Tarsheed. In 2015, hikes in water and electricity tariffs were introduced to draw awareness to the usage of these resources and encourage residents to decrease their consumption.

In addition, carbon emissions have been decreasing since the launch of the plan, with 3.06 million tonnes reduced just over the previous year. A reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 8.5 million tonnes is expected by the end of 2017. 

At the ceremony where the announcement took place, the second phase of the conservation plan was declared, which is to end in 2022.

Photo Credit: Desalination.biz