Government to incentivise energy efficient measures in hotels

A framework for the implementation of energy efficient systems in hotels through a Public Private Partnership with the MHRA will position Maltese hotels as the "leaders in energy efficiency across the Mediterranean," according to minister without a portfolio Konrad Mizzi. 

The minister launched the new scheme during a hospitality conference organised by the MHRA.

The scheme, he said, will initially seek to determine the state of energy efficiency across the sector, adding that a €1 million fund will be established by the government for hotels to carry out energy audits in order to determine their state of efficiency.

Once the necessary data has been collected, key performance indicators will be established, and benchmarks set.

Mizzi said that hotels who undertake energy efficient measures will be rewarded through a points system, which will be redeemable as tax credits for investment in the implementation of other energy efficient projects.

He said that such schemes will help Malta reach its target of a 27% reduction in primary emissions by 2020.

Engineer Joseph Restol, who is overseeing the project, said that it constitutes a desire by the local hotel industry to reposition itself as "the best."

Restol said that the primary objective of the scheme will to incentivise, within the parameters of state aid rules, the hotel industry's shift to energy efficient practices.

The project will be implemented in three phases, he said, with the first having already been completed. This included the setting up of a legal framework that will make the project possible. The first phases was entrusted to audit firm Deloitte.

The second phase, which according to Restol will be launched this week, will see a formal policy written, the launch of benchmarking parameters and the implementation of the web app.

The last phase will see the implementation of further support tools and training within the industry.