Significant energy reduction results have been achieved by a national campaign which teaches energy awareness through football. This was announced during an awards ceremony at the QNCC to celebrate the end of the first stage of the Tarsheed 22 (T22) project, a partnership project between the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA). Thanks to energy-saving technologies and energy-efficient light bulbs, dimmer switches and aerated faucets, the 22 schools reduced their annual consumption of electricity by 3 Gigawatt-hours and saved QR 750,000 annually. The project decreased carbon emissions by 1,600 tons per year.

The project has made a big impact on the energy saving habits of youths attending 22 primary schools in Qatar, who received a comprehensive education on water and energy conservation through exciting and engaging teaching methods that drew on the SC's expertise in Football for Development. With the support of the Supreme Education Council, Tarsheed and the SC will expand the project to include all Qatari primary schools by 2022.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Energy and Industry, His Excellency Dr. Mohammad bin Saleh bin Abdullah Al Sada, the Minister of Education and Higher Education, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, and Abdulla Al-Malki, the representative for the Minister of Youth and Sports His Excellency Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, KAHAMAA's President His Excellency Eng. Essa Bin Hilal Al-Kuwari and SC Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi as well as other dignitaries and media representatives in Qatar.

"We were delighted to work with Kahramaa on this project, which did not only result in reducing water and electricity consumption at the participating schools, but also changed the perception of our students who now adopt sustainability as a way of life", said Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General. "Working with students gave us the opportunity to experience firsthand the positive effect that football can have on people's lives. This is an effect that we will utilise to leave a lasting legacy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar."

Management, teachers and students were also present to witness the outcome of the announcements, which acknowledged footballers, schoolchildren and school staff for their contributions to the project.

The prize for the best submission to the T22 video competition was won by the youngest award winner of the night, Alghala Al Kubaisi of Al Daayen Primary Independent School for Girls.

Mohamed Al Obaidali of Mesaieed Primary and Intermediate School for Boys, Hessa Lahdan of Al Khor Model School for Boys and Sheikha Al Mas of Al Wakrah Primary School for Girls won the award for best school coordinators.

Al Daayen Primary School for Girls and Simaisma Primary School for Boys received awards for being the most energy efficient schools, with Al Wakrah Primary School for Girls scooping first prize.

The three winning schools will use a solar-powered lighting system by the end of 2016 to encourage them to set an example for conservation methods, reflecting Qatar's National Vision for a more sustainable future and environmentally friendly society.

"We are thrilled with the first year results from T22 and excited to expand the project to additional schools. With the help of our partners, we can teach a generation of Qatari youths how to change their consumption habits and protect our precious natural resources", said His Excellency Eng. Essa Bin Hilal Al Kuwari, KAHRAMAA President.