New pilot project to assist small businesses in efficient use of energy and water

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) and the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), grocery stores may benefit from energy audits to help them make efficient use of energy and water in their day-to-day operations.

The pilot project MERĊA (Managing Essential Resources in Retail through Consumption Analysis) will be targeting outlets falling under the NACE G list and which make use of cooling or heating equipment, refrigeration and energy and water systems. NACE G broadly refers to businesses carrying out wholesale and retail trade and/or repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Through data collection, EWA will provide recommendations that will also be applicable to other outlets.

Addressing a press conference, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli explained that with this MoU, EWA and the Chamber of SMEs will be collaborating to assist food and beverage outlets to have more sustainable operations.

This pilot project will cost €50,000 and will be implemented over two years. During these two years, data will be gathered, through which practices and processes will be identified to make the necessary recommendations.

“This project will be sustaining two important resources, that of energy and water. Various enterprises wish to make sustainable changes in their operations, and this pilot project will be assisting these enterprises to make this change towards cleaner energy operations,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Chief Executive of the Energy and Water Agency Manuel Sapiano emphasised the role of the agency, that of promoting and providing support for more sustainable practices.

“The agency already collaborates with various stakeholders, including the Chamber of SMEs, as they are the direct link to enterprises. This will further facilitate reaching out to these targeted groups,” Mr Sapiano said.

Chief Executive of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises Abigail Mamo said that the Chamber of SMEs is happy to be part of this data collection exercise and thanked EWA for their trust. Ms Mamo added:

“This important data which will be gathered from Maltese retailers is truly essential for the future of our country, and we are honoured to contribute to this project.”