As global energy pressures continue to mount, Egypt is increasingly turning to behavioral change as a cornerstone of its energy consumption management strategy. Universities are at the heart of this shift, with millions of students being mobilised through the “Save It… Light It” initiative, which aims to transform awareness into real action.
“Save It… Light It” is a national initiative recently launched by the Ministry of Higher Education to reduce energy consumption across universities and academic institutions. It comes as part of broader state efforts to manage rising demand amid ongoing economic challenges.
According to official data, Egypt’s electricity consumption has steadily increased over the past decade, driven by population growth and urban expansion, making efficiency and conservation an urgent priority.
In this context, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli recently ordered shops to close at 11 p.m. as part of government measures to reduce electricity consumption.
Amid these developments, Minister of Higher Education Abdelaziz Konsowa emphasised the strategic role of youth.
“University and institute students represent a real force capable of leading societal change. Their number is estimated at around four million, which enhances the chances of achieving a wide and sustainable impact for awareness initiatives,” Konsowa said during a recent meeting with representatives of student unions from public, private and technical universities.
He added that the success of the initiative depends on its ability to move beyond awareness campaigns to measurable behavioural change, embedding a culture of energy conservation into students’ daily lives in a way that supports the state’s efforts to address energy challenges.
This reflects a broader policy approach that goes beyond infrastructure and supply, focusing instead on demand management, where citizens play a direct role in easing pressure on the energy grid.
Universities are not only centres of learning but also testing grounds for new consumption models. Through student-led campaigns, competitions and digital content, the initiative aims to create what officials describe as a “positive ripple effect,” extending from campuses into homes.
“The current phase requires maximising students’ potential as a key force in shaping behaviour within universities through innovative, participatory initiatives,” said Karem Hammam, advisor to the minister for student activities.
He stressed the importance of turning awareness into daily practice, adding that empowering students with creativity and teamwork is essential to sustaining the initiative’s long-term impact.
Under Egypt’s Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES), the country aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 42% of its energy mix by 2035. In this context, initiatives like “Save It… Light It” represent a crucial dimension of the transition, where awareness, behaviour and policy converge to shape a more sustainable future.
