A full renovation was carried out at the Public Works Department building in Rabat as part of Malta’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). This investment is intended to strengthen energy efficiency within the public sector. The initiative aims to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and minimise energy waste through renovation and retrofit works on public buildings.
This was announced during a visit by the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works, Omar Farrugia.
The renovation included substantial changes both inside and outside the building structure. The works carried out included drainage systems, electricity supply through solar panels, lighting systems, gypsum works, HVAC systems, paving, plastering works, as well as the installation of new apertures (aluminium doors and windows with double glazing).
In addition, natural ventilation was introduced and designed to reach every space through air currents generated by the wind, while dense insulation was installed on the external walls and roof. Other sustainability measures included the installation of photovoltaic panels and canopies on apertures facing south in order to reduce direct solar impact. These interventions enabled the building to achieve a negative Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), meaning that it produces more energy than it requires for its own operation. As a result, the building will operate using 100% renewable energy, thereby reducing demand on the country’s primary energy system.
This also aligns with the Malta Vision 2050, specifically macro measures 68 and 70 whereby the primary objective is to reduce emissions and to strengthen Malta’s share of renewable energy through the diversification of renewable energy sources.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that this project is a clear example of how European funds are being used to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings and reduce their environmental impact. He stated that through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, Malta is investing strategically to make public infrastructure more efficient and sustainable.
“Investments like these not only improve the quality of the spaces where employees work and where services are delivered to the public, but they also contribute to national and European objectives related to the green transition and the more responsible use of energy,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi. He thanked all the entities and workers involved and emphasised the importance of collaboration between ministries in delivering projects that bring benefits to the community.
Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia stated that, “This building in Rabat is one of ten buildings within Public Works in which we have invested significantly over the past year to improve infrastructure, as well as carry out a full renovation so that the building truly becomes fully energy-efficient. The project also demonstrates synergy between various government entities and departments through European funds for these types of projects. In addition, the renovation will now provide employees with a better and safer working environment.”
From a technical perspective, project manager Eman Portelli explained that the Rabat building was transformed into an energy-efficient facility and this was achieved by installing insulation panels on the external walls, thermaseal on the roof, double glazing, as well as 20 photovoltaic panels, among other improvements.
Photos: MFI/MTIP_PS
