The Public Abattoir is the first entity in Malta to systematically monitor electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions according to the so-called Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol).
During a visit to the abattoir, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo described this step as a concrete example of how the government is working towards increasing efficiency and at the same time reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
The Public Abattoir ensures food safety by facilitating the supply of local meat. The hygiene processes require a high energy consumption, particularly to reach the high temperatures necessary for the sterilisation of the plant and different tools. Therefore, it was felt necessary to install this system.
The GHG Protocol provides standards, guidelines, and tools intended to help governments and businesses measure their energy consumption as well as the gas emissions that are causing climate change. The protocol categorises emissions into three, direct ones such as emissions from fuel use, indirect ones such as emissions from electricity consumption; and additional ones such as emissions from transport of products and travel.
Officials of the ClearVUE company, who are assisting the Public Abattoir in this monitoring, explained to Minister Refalo how the monitoring system works, and how they are identifying areas, processes, and other investments that can help this plant reduce its environmental impact and at the same time obtain better results.
“This step we are taking is a demonstration of the efforts being made by the ministry to make the Public Abattoir a showcase of efficiency and quality. At the same time, we are continuing to contribute to the implementation of the electoral promise to increase the efficiency of the Public Abattoir’s operations for the benefit of local farmers”, concluded Minister Anton Refalo.
