To save energy.. Berlin turns off the lights in 200 historic and archaeological buildings

Yesterday, the city of Berlin began switching off the lights in a number of historical monuments and buildings, with the aim of joining the national effort to save energy in the face of the dangers of its shortage, as about 200 symbolic buildings, including the Victory Column, Charlottenburg Palace and City Hall, will not be lit at night.

"Given the war in Ukraine and Russian threats in terms of energy policy, it is important that we use our energy with the greatest care," Bettina Jarasek (Green Party) member in charge of environmental affairs at the Berlin municipality said in a statement.

Thus, the city will be able to save on the use of 1,400 devices dedicated to lighting these sites.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier set an example this week by declaring that his official residence in Berlin, Bellevue Palace, would not be lit at night, except on special occasions such as official visits.

The government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz had called several weeks ago for a national mobilization in order to provide energy, whose prices have risen dramatically, and while supplies may decline.

A campaign was launched targeting professionals and individuals to promote certain practices, such as reducing air conditioning in buildings, using public transportation or even buying water-saving gadgets.

Several major cities across the country have announced plans to save energy.

Before the war on Ukraine, Germany was buying 55 percent of its gas from Russia, and this share was reduced at the beginning of June to 35 percent, but it leaves the country at the mercy of gas cuts decided by Moscow.

Energy company Gazprom has cut gas shipments to Europe sharply in recent weeks, especially via the Nord Stream pipeline, which was only operating at 20% of its capacity on Wednesday.

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