Government Initiative Helps Businesses Cut 1K Tonnes of CO2 Yearly

Dec 15 2023

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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Car Drives Into Busy Bee Sliema Outlet

Dec 15 2023

A video sent to this newsroom shows a car slowly driving into Busy Bee Sliema’s side.

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A woman walking close by with a pushchair can be seen quickly retreating as the car gradually makes its way towards the shutter.

A person then exits the vehicle as bystanders stop to assess the situation. It does not seem as though anyone was injured during this incident.

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A Step Closer To Preventing Severe Pregnancy Sickness

Dec 15 2023

Researchers have made a significant stride toward understanding and potentially treating severe pregnancy sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

A study reveals that babies produce a hormone, GDF15, which can trigger HG, affecting between one and three in 100 pregnancies.

Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly from the University of Cambridge indicates that the more sensitive a mother is to this hormone, the more severe the sickness.

This insight provides a clue on preventive measures. Pregnant women with HG often require hospitalization due to dehydration, and some report vomiting up to 50 times a day.

The research, published in Nature and conducted by scientists from the University of Cambridge, Scotland, the USA, and Sri Lanka, found a correlation between the degree of sickness and the amount of GDF15 produced in the womb.

Women with a genetic variant putting them at higher HG risk had lower hormone levels, while those with beta thalassemia, a blood disorder causing elevated GDF15 levels before pregnancy, experienced less nausea or vomiting.

Blocking the hormone’s access to the mother’s brain receptor could be a potential treatment strategy, says Professor Sir Stephen, offering hope for improved care for affected pregnant women.

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3 Protected Birds Shot Illegally Get Second Chance In Sicily

Dec 15 2023

On December 5, 2023, BirdLife Malta successfully released three protected birds— a European Honey-buzzard, a Greater Flamingo, and a Western Marsh-harrier— at LIPU’s Saline Di Priolo Nature Reserve in Sicily.

These birds, victims of illegal shooting during Malta’s ongoing autumn hunting season, were rehabilitated after concerned members of the public reported and assisted in their rescue.

The release is part of BirdLife Malta’s broader effort to protect and rehabilitate shot birds, with up to 53 birds recovered since the season commenced in September, including those ringed or tracked from countries like Finland, Czechia, and Latvia, targeted illegally.

The release marked the second attempt in recent years by BirdLife Malta, featuring, for the first time, a flamingo and a Honey-buzzard. The decision to release these rehabilitated birds in Sicily followed the October incident where a GPS-tracked Honey-buzzard, released on Comino, lost transmission while attempting to migrate south over Birżebbuġa.

Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta’s Head of Conservation, emphasized the risks of Malta’s illegal hunting season, prompting the decision to release the birds in Sicily for a higher chance of survival.

The initiative involved two and a half months of rehabilitation, veterinary assistance, and collaboration with Virtu Ferries Ltd. and LIPU’s Saline Di Priolo.

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