27 September, 2023
Today, The Malta Chamber and HSBC Malta Foundation launched the sustainability project titled “Establishing Malta’s Framework for a Net Zero Carbon Building”, targeting the country’s building and construction sector with the goal of raising standards in energy efficiency and conservation. The intended framework is inspired by models such as LEED certification.
President of The Malta Chamber, Marisa Xuereb, has stated that “This project is just one of the many initiatives The Malta Chamber has embarked on, with many more to come, to push towards helping our members contribute to and thrive in a strong, healthy and sustainable decarbonised economy which delivers on wellbeing and quality of life.
Simon Vaughan Johnson, HSBC Malta CEO, said: “HSBC Malta is very proud to be in a position to support this ambitious 2-year project. As a bank that is constantly investing in the long-term success of the communities in which we operate, we believe that this is both a compelling and far-reaching project which we anticipate will have a positive impact on the environment and therefore the social well-being of Malta’s citizens.”
“Sustainability within the built environment should unite people as this impacts our social lives on a day to day basis. The government is being a catalyst in setting up policy and plans for the acquisition of climate neutrality by 2050. We are also actively emphasising the importance for the public to shift to new technologies coupled with preferential grants and initiatives to support the green transition. Ministries are continuously working together to attain a better and more sustainable island,” said Hon. Miriam Dalli, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development.
“Every green innovation opens new doors and makes new policy instruments possible. By working hand in hand, the public and private sector can unlock the greatest potential both for the country and for the planet,” noted Hon. Dalli.
“The emerging trend of green buildings has been very recent for Malta and we are in need of an established framework because the same goals and directives being proposed and imposed on Europe will be imposed on Malta as well. The private sector is seeking to define methods of how to establish Malta’s Framework for a Zero Carbon Building in line with international certifications methods such as LEED. Our motto is to work towards the transformation of the built environment to make it healthier and more sustainable. It is not too late to re-define our ways, we simply need to act fast and use the right tools and methods,” said Ing. Abigail Cutajar.
The World Green Building Council’s definition of a net zero carbon building is “a building that is highly energy efficient and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources”. The proposed project outlines an overarching framework of consistent principles and metrics that can set the benchmarks which could then be integrated into national policy. Primarily, the framework may be used as a tool for government and businesses to drive the transition to a net zero carbon-built environment.
Over the next couple of years, a team led by The Malta Chamber will work on establishing the sustainability benchmarks which Malta currently lacks in the sector, concluding with the framework itself. Funded by the HSBC Malta Foundation, the project reflects the commitment of both parties towards a smart, sustainable island, in line with Malta’s climate commitments.
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