A construction economy driven by sustainable values

It is well known that the development of an economy is driven by confidence and aspiration. As we move from a global health crisis to new geo-political ones, all sectors of leadership should be asking what kind of future we should be forging during these disruptive experiences. 

Buildings account for around 40% of the final energy consumption in Malta. Making buildings more energy efficient will contribute significantly to Malta achieving its energy and climate ambitions. 

The building sector is crucial for achieving Malta’s and the EU's energy and environmental goals. At the same time, better and more energy efficient buildings will improve the quality of citizens' life and alleviate energy poverty, while bringing additional benefits such as improved health and indoor comfort levels, as well as green jobs. EU directives on this matter promote policies that will help achieve a highly energy efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, create a stable environment for investment decisions and enable consumers and businesses to make more informed choices to save energy and money. 

The EU has proposed to move from the current nearly-zero-energy buildings to zero-emission buildings by 2030. This commitment applies to Malta too.  

According to the directive’s proposal, a zero-emission building (ZEB) is defined as a building with a very high energy performance, with the very low amount of energy still required fully covered by energy from renewable sources and without on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels. The ZEB requirement should apply as of 1 January 2030 to all new buildings, and as of 1 January 2027 to all new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities. 

As responsible building-industry players, each with our own areas of influence and change-makers in our own right, we should be able to look our children in the eye and confidently and tangibly reassure them that we are doing our best to ensure we are accountable to them, their ambitions and aspirations.

Leaders across business, politics and society are being asked to deliver on these energy efficient building objectives collaboratively with honesty, integrity, responsibility and credibility. The Building & Construction Authority (BCA) in Malta believes that this is our calling also, and a mission we must accomplish successfully.