Chamber to establish sustainability benchmarks for Malta’s building sector

The Malta Chamber and HSBC Malta Foundation on Friday launched a sustainability project titled “Establishing Malta’s Framework for a Net Zero Carbon Building”, targeting the country’s building and construction sector with the goal of raising standards in energy efficiency and conservation. The intended framework is inspired by models such as LEED certification.

Over the next couple of years, a team led by The Malta Chamber will work on establishing sustainability benchmarks “which Malta currently lacks in the sector”, concluding with the framework itself.

President of The Malta Chamber, Marisa Xuereb, said: “This project is just one of the many initiatives The Malta Chamber has embarked on, with many more to come, to push towards helping our members contribute to and thrive in a strong, healthy and sustainable decarbonised economy which delivers on wellbeing and quality of life.”

Simon Vaughan Johnson, HSBC Malta CEO, said: “HSBC Malta is very proud to be in a position to support this ambitious two-year project. As a bank that is constantly investing in the long-term success of the communities in which we operate, we believe that this is both a compelling and far-reaching project which we anticipate will have a positive impact on the environment and therefore the social well-being of Malta’s citizens.”

The World Green Building Council’s definition of a net zero carbon building is “a building that is highly energy efficient and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources”. The proposed project outlines an overarching framework of consistent principles and metrics that can set the benchmarks which could then be integrated into national policy. Primarily, the framework may be used as a tool for government and businesses to drive the transition to a net zero carbon-built environment.

Funded by the HSBC Malta Foundation, the project reflects the commitment of both parties towards a smart, sustainable island, in line with Malta’s climate commitments.