40 sports organizations benefitted from a government scheme through which €1 million were allocated for the installation of energy-efficient systems. This project will be saving around 340 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
In a collaboration between the Energy and Water Agency and Sport Malta, 40 clubs implemented more than 60 projects encompassing light installations, heat pumps, appliances, and pumping equipment, amongst others.
Druing a ceremony held at the Hibernians Basketball Pavilion, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima awarded clubs with commemorative plaques for their investment.
Highlighting the benefits of sustainable operations, Minister Miriam Dalli explained how such schemes generate a lot of interest. Thus, the government decided to allocate more funds to allow for more energy-efficient projects.
“It is our role to continue assisting those who wish to make sustainable changes. This investment will result in less energy consumption and more energy efficiency”, said Minister Miriam Dalli.
As a result of installing energy-efficient equipment, these organisations will be saving €100,000 annually.
Minister Miriam Dalli said that the government will continue to incentivise these entities to keep producing clean energy, which will contribute to more sustainable economic growth and allow Malta’s targets to be achieved by everyone. As shown by the collaboration between the EWA and Sport Malta, planning and technical support will lead to more positive results.
During the ceremony, Parliamentary Secretary Clifton Grima praised the 40 sports organisations who took the step to invest in more sustainable energy. He stated that through these investments, a substantial number of sports and voluntary organisations are benefitting financially, and that this same investment will be re-invested in the community.
“Our aim, as government, is to create a sustainable society in all sectors. Through this initiative, both the environmental and the sports sectors are benefitting from lower electricity bills, together with a better environment and strong financial support”, stated the parliamentary secretary, while also praising the EWA and Sport Malta which, through their collaborative efforts, yielded a sustainable investment for sport organisations.
This project will target three Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG13 – Climate Action
Present for the ceremony were the CEO of the EWA Mr Manuel Sapiano and the CEO of Sport Malta Mr Mark Cutajar.