Energy Conservation Program Kicks Off in Saudi Government Facilities

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
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Energy Conservation Program Kicks Off in Saudi Government Facilities

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.

A program to improve the rationalization of energy consumption has kicked off in Saudi state institutions.

The city of Riyadh has seen the launch of the "Energy Conservation in Buildings" course targeting experts working in government facilities. The course is organized by the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC) in cooperation with the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training over four days.

The training program is the first-of-its-kind, and one of 10 courses that are set to be launched by the end of 2019 in many of the Kingdom's cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Yanbu, Tabuk, and Jazan.

According to a statement, the courses aim at increasing the competence of experts in government facilities so they commit to regular maintenance that contribute to higher energy consumption efficiency in public buildings.

In line with an earlier agreement between the SEEC and the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, the free courses are provided for trainees working in the relevant government administrative units, such as maintenance and project departments, support services, and public services.

As part of its interest in implementing mechanisms to rationalize electricity consumption in the government sector, the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center works on three levels. The first is the technical level that aims at explaining the required standards to improve the efficiency of electricity consumption in government facilities and buildings.

The second focuses on organizing training programs that contribute to improving the capacities and qualification of a competent staff in government agencies to perform the rationalization tasks and improve energy efficiency in their facilities.

Finally, the third focuses on spreading awareness on the importance of rationalizing energy consumption and its efficiency through sustainable awareness programs and activities for employees.



Honda and Nissan Reportedly Consider Mutual Production of Vehicles

FILE PHOTO: A Honda logo is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, US, April 5, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A Honda logo is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, US, April 5, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo/File Photo
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Honda and Nissan Reportedly Consider Mutual Production of Vehicles

FILE PHOTO: A Honda logo is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, US, April 5, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A Honda logo is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, US, April 5, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo/File Photo

Honda and Nissan are considering producing vehicles in one another's factories as part of their plan to deepen ties and potentially merge, Japan's Kyodo news agency said on Saturday.
Honda will consider supplying hybrid vehicles to Nissan as part of the plan, the report said, without citing the source of the information.
A merger of Honda, Japan's second-largest car company, and Nissan, its third-largest, would create the world's third-largest auto group by vehicle sales, behind Toyota and Volkswagen, making 7.4 million vehicles a year, Reuters said.
The two automakers forged a strategic partnership in March to cooperate in electric vehicle development, but Nissan has faced financial and strategic troubles in recent months.
As announced, Honda, "Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors are in the process of bringing together our strengths and exploring potential forms of cooperation, but nothing has been decided yet,” a Honda spokesperson said, when asked about the report.
Nissan declined to comment, saying the details of the report were not based on a company announcement. Nissan is the top shareholder in Mitsubishi Motors.
Kyodo said Honda could use Nissan's car factory in Britain, as it now only has factories for engines and motorcycles in Europe.
The move comes amid concerns over how president-elect Donald Trump's policies may shake up manufacturing with his promises of protectionist trade policies, the report said.