With the support of the Malta Freeport Corporation and the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS), the Government is re-launching the double glazing Scheme. This initiative, aimed exclusively at Birżebbuġa residents, seeks to mitigate the noise impact from Freeport operations.
Through this scheme, the Government will reimburse 90% of the material and installation costs, up to a maximum of €2,000, for existing residences that upgrade their windows to double or triple glazing systems. Eligible costs include VAT.
This was announced by the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Miriam Dalli, and the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri.
This scheme applies to residents of private and residential properties in Birżebbuġa who wish to retrofit their existing apertures with double glazing. By participating in this scheme, residents will not only reduce the noise from Freeport’s operations but also enhance the sustainability of their homes by improving temperature control.
“More than 400 families have applied in past schemes to benefit from this scheme. Initially, the scheme applied to a limited number of roads, but it has now been updated to be open to all areas in Birżebbuġa. In fact, this is the second time that the scheme is open to all residents of Birżebbuġa,” explained Minister Miriam Dalli.
Minister Dalli explained how this scheme also helps residents invest in sustainable solutions to better control building temperatures. She noted that REWS operates additional schemes that support sustainable building investments, including assistance for well restoration, incentives for home reverse osmosis systems, and aid for the installation of photovoltaic panels, among others.
Minister Silvio Schembri said that in recent years several projects have been carried out to ensure that while the Freeport remains an important commercial port in the Mediterranean, its impact on the surrounding residents is minimized as much as possible.
“Apart from the double-glazing scheme announced today, we are investing in a high voltage shore connection system. This will enable ships moored in the Freeport to turn off their engines and generate electricity for themselves using cleaner electricity from the quays. As a cleaner environment is created, it will considerably reduce air pollution and the noise generated by ships. Even in the Freeport squaring off project, the greatest attention was given to the residents. We have ensured that in the part closest to the residents in Terminal 1, quay cranes cannot be used. The use of Terminal 1 is reduced for ro-ro operations at specific times during the day, and no operations of this type will take place during the night,” said Minister Silvio Schembri.
The Mayor of the Local Council of Birżebbuġa, Scott Camilleri, emphasized that the council acknowledges the Government’s efforts to address the industrial burdens on the locality. He highlighted that the scheme will assist Birżebbuġa residents by reducing the financial costs of upgrading to double-glazing windows. Additionally, the council recognizes the ongoing work at the Freeport on the installation of shore-to-ship.
This scheme, funded by the Malta Freeport Corporation as a Corporate Social Responsibility contribution with a value of €300,000, will be administered by REWS.
Applications will be accepted from Monday, 27 May 2024. The scheme is open until the end of the year 2024, or until the funds are absorbed. The guidelines are available on the REWS site: https://www.rews.org.mt/?ts=1716373613327#/en/sdgr/603-2024-double-glazing-scheme-for-bir-ebbu-residents-active.
Prospective applicants can also call Servizz.Gov on freephone 153 for more information.
Suppliers can register their products from today through an email that must be sent to REWS at enquiry@rews.org.mt,
