Saudi Arabia kicks off countrywide campaign against excess air conditioning

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has kicked off a countrywide campaign to create awareness among the masses for reducing consumption of electricity particularly the excessive air conditioning.

According to Arab News, the Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre launched a drive on Monday to warn people, private companies and the government about the environmental and economic costs of excessive air conditioning at home, at work and in vehicles.

The four-week campaign, part of the National Awareness Campaign on Energy Rationalisation, aims to create awareness about ways to cut down dependence on air conditioners.



The message will be delivered across the kingdom via billboards, newspapers, TV and social media.

Rapid population growth is also driving energy use in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s current population is around 30 million with an annual growth rate of 2.7%. Economic and social development over the next decade will ensure further population increases.

Power efficiency is one of the key themes of Saudi Vision 2030. Some 38% of the Saudi production of oil and gas is locally consumed, mainly in the transport sector and electricity production.

The story originally appeared in Arab News