Maltese businesses investing in sustainable technologies and operations with the support of Malta Enterprise’s Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant will reduce their collective carbon footprint by 1,000 tonnes.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, Miriam Dalli, announced the results of this green initiative during a visit to the db Seabank Hotel. This hotel is one of several enterprises that benefitted from this scheme to invest in a more efficient seawater reverse osmosis system, increasing energy efficiency by 22%, reducing water consumption by 78%, and decreasing carbon emissions by 10 tonnes. It has also invested in a heat-pump water heating system.

Minister Dalli explained that through the Smart and Sustainable Grant, Malta Enterprise has already supported 16 green projects by the private sector, with no intention of slowing down, as more businesses choose to follow the green transition. The Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant, which will continue to be available throughout 2024, has already invested €1 million in local enterprises. The scheme’s aim is to offer financial assistance to businesses as they undergo a transformation towards more sustainable business operations.

“This government is committed to continuing to support enterprises to improve the sustainability and efficiency of their operations. By encouraging and supporting enterprises towards this green transition, we are helping businesses secure their future viability while contributing to our vision of a more sustainable and decarbonised economy in Malta. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable operations, and cleaner air are crucial factors for serious businesses committed to ensuring the future of their operations while safeguarding their communities,” Miriam Dalli said.

The minister also referred to the COP28 conclusions, where a landmark agreement was reached by countries to start transitioning away from fossil fuels. She emphasised the importance of this commitment and encouraged more enterprises to invest in sustainable operations. She reassured that the government would continue to provide support to achieve this objective. In fact, in 2024, it will double Malta Enterprise’s budget for schemes and other initiatives to help businesses improve their efficiency, quality, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Malta Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Kurt Farrugia explained that Malta Enterprise has always been there to help businesses in every way possible.

“In our constant talks with businesses, we have seen that reaching sustainability targets has been a growing concern for our businesses, and we want to be here to help. We want our businesses to be at the forefront of sustainability and innovative practices. We are very happy to be announcing this reduction in CO₂ emissions and will continue to make sure that our businesses are at the forefront when it comes to the green transition,” explained Kurt Farrugia.

Robert Debono, Group CEO of db Group, highlighted that over the last couple of years, they have invested in initiatives to not only reduce costs but also reduce their carbon footprint, such as the installation of a brand-new Building Management System and Room Management System. “We invested in a new RO, which has double the capacity of the old one. The new two heat pumps, which are not only more efficient for room heating but can also cool, will therefore replace the chiller, which will be more efficient. For a total investment of over €300,000,” Robert Debono said.

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