Ljubljana - Managers of buildings in state ownership have been asked not to set the air conditioners to under 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 28 degrees when offices are empty as part of efforts to cut energy usage by ten percent. In winter the temperature should not exceed 20 degrees.

Building managers have also been told to accelerate energy-saving measures, increase the share of renewable energy, and examine the possibility for alternative energy sources for heating, according to guidance issued by the government on Friday.

Saving energy is the fastest and most favourable way to contribute to the resolution of the energy crisis and to cut costs, the Government Communications Office said.

Several other countries have adopted similar guidance, including Spain and Italy.