The construction process can have a negative impact due to factors such as energy use, construction waste and pollution, which will, in turn, impact climate change and our natural environment. It is therefore important that these processes are done in an environmentally responsible way, Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia said.
While on a visit to a construction site with Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius, the Minister said that intelligent planning and design has the ability to improve the efficiency of energy use as well as the pollution produced by a building throughout its lifetime. The government is continuing to explore ways to include this sector in the circular economy through the concept of reconstituted stone, and initiatives by developers towards more environmental buildings are very valuable.
The Minister said that this particular site is a good example of how the process of construction can be conscious of environmental aspects. He said that such measures are in conformity with our country’s strategy towards achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2050.
He reiterated the government’s vision to reduce emissions, whilst continuing to generate economic growth and to generate new jobs. Our country is on its way to an economic transition in every sector, including in building and construction, so that Malta can be in a position to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Minister said that the government is implementing a number of measures as part of the reform for building and construction in our country. He said that a number of new reforms will be announced in the coming weeks in order to modernise and strengthen the industry while providing peace of mind, quality of life and a healthier environment in our country.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius explained that, in September 2018, a public consultation was launched with the aim to set up a regulating body for building and construction. He added that this is in conformity with the 2017 Labour Party electoral manifesto. In August 2019, the Building and Construction Agency was established to serve as a precursor to the Building and Construction Authority.
He explained that, in the past months, the Agency established new administrative systems, which include a new licensing system for the mason’s licenses, published official documents, worked on draft legislation, established a BCA branch in Gozo, strengthened its presence in all localities, and worked on many policies to educate the sector. Parliamentary Secretary Agius added that we need to keep working on introducing a culture with increased discipline via more education and enforcement.
“The first thing which one must mention is the installation of PV panels in each development. In this particular case, Lotus Complex in Żabbar has 443 PV panels which generate 2,200 units every day that will be consumed by the residents. Prior to laying tiles, concrete screed is used and mixed with 60 kilos of recycles plastic. This also serves as a sound insulator. Apart from insulation board, the company also uses PVC apertures, since this is a better thermal and sound insulator than aluminium,” Director of Best Deal Properties Erskine Vella said.
Photo: MECP
