Minister stresses smarter energy use in educational institutions

• The Kuwait University’s energy conservation has reached nearly 15%. The university continues to operate its energy-saving system in air conditioning plants and is finalizing a study to place some buildings in hibernation mode during the summer.

Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, on Thursday emphasized the need to rationalize energy use in educational institutions, commending Kuwait University’s 2024 initiative, “Let’s Be Partners in Saving Electricity,” reported Arabic daily Al Qabas.

In a press statement during his visit to Sabah Al-Salem University City, accompanied by Kuwait University President Dr. Dina Al-Mailem, Al-Jalal said the initiative reflects Kuwait’s commitment to environmental sustainability and highlights the importance of joint efforts to raise awareness among students and the academic community.

Minister Al-Jalal was briefed on the university’s ongoing efforts to implement its initiative and raise the level of energy conservation, which has currently reached nearly 15 percent.

The university confirmed that it continues to operate its energy-saving system in air conditioning plants and is finalizing a study to place some buildings in hibernation mode during the summer, in line with reduced academic activity and teaching loads, which are typically halved during the summer semester. This plan is designed to avoid any disruption to the university’s educational, research, or security operations and is expected to increase energy conservation to 20 percent.

Accompanied by the University President, the Acting Secretary-General, the Vice President for Planning, and the Assistant Vice President for Planning of University Sites, minister Al-Jalal also toured the Central Station Building No. 3 and the main control room in the administrative building.

For her part, Dr. Dina Al-Mailem reaffirmed Kuwait University’s commitment to energy conservation policies and announced the formation of a committee to develop mechanisms and standards for monitoring the progress of the “Let’s Be Partners in Saving Electricity” initiative.

In a similar statement, Dr. Al-Mailem emphasized that Kuwait University is continuously working to enhance energy efficiency and reduce electrical loads.

This visit reflects the shared belief in the importance of rationalizing electricity consumption and highlights the vital role Kuwait University plays in developing strategies that align with the state’s general policies and directives. These efforts are in line with the goals of sustainable development and the standards set by international rating agencies.

The university stressed that it has taken all necessary steps to conserve electricity, reaffirming its leadership role in developing solutions, raising awareness, educating society, and being among the first institutions to implement the government’s directives—particularly in light of rising temperatures that have led to increased electrical demand across the country.