Two best practices from Malta were put under the spotlight during an event held at the European Parliament thanks to the Initiative of MEP Therese Comodini Cachia (EPP group) and MEP Miriam Dalli (S&D), a joint press release from both the offices of Therese Comodini Cachia and Miriam Dalli read.

The projects involved the Catch the Drop Campaign spearheaded by the HSBC Water programme and a Life+ project targeting businesses, hotels and SMEs directed by the Malta Business Bureau (MBB). The event was opened by MEP Ester De Lange, Chair of the MEP Water Group

MEP Therese Comodini Cachia stated: "The HSBC Water Programme, Catch the Drop Campaign as well as the MBB project on use of grey water in hotels are both projects which deserve European recognition. They are exceptional initiatives showing how private industry can work hand in hand with schools to provide valuable education and how the industry can not only make a positive environmental contribution but also generate skills for green and new jobs."

She thanked teachers and heads of schools for supporting student initiatives and for the dedication they show in their work. She lauded the initiative of MBB and the business sector in Malta for their efforts to tackle the issue of water usage and remarked that further investment was required in developing technology that facilitates water usage and conservation.

"The EU and member states should invest and provide more opportunities for start-ups to develop technologies that facilitate water conservation and for the creation of greener industries and jobs."

MEP Miriam Dalli emphasised that water scarcity has a major impact on other environmental attributes which can gravely effect our planet. "The abstraction of water for industrial use has declined over the past 15 years. But this is not enough. We need to invest more in projects that can reduce the use of water such as on-site recycling of wastewater, whilst promoting innovation such as advanced cooling technologies that require less water."

The solution however, the MEP stressed, lies in a shift in attitude towards water conservation. "That is why project like HSBC's Catch the Drop and the Malta Business Bureau's Life+ investment are important as they promote innovation both at an industry level, but also at a cultural level in order to both assist and inspire new solution's to tomorrows problems. Moreover, these projects have also prompted the Government to consider the introduction of grey water treatment systems as part of its plans for the water sector. Listening to the impressive ways both Maria Regina College Mosta and the Archbishop's seminary managed to put together easy, accessible and innovative ways to conserve and preserve water was extremely interesting. These students have some really good solutions to today's challenges, and we need to do our utmost to ensure that they are heard."

MBB CEO Joe Tanti said that "Savings of around €1.4 billion per annum are possible for the EU hospitality industry. The savings could be achieved through the EU-industry-wide adoption of flow rate regulation and grey water treatment".

"Take up of these solutions will bring environmental benefits, increase the competitiveness of the EU's hospitality industry through reduced costs, and create a new green industry and new green jobs for the supply of equipment and services to the industry. This supply industry would also have strong EU-export potential" continued Mr Tanti.

Glenn Bugeja, Manager- Corporate Sustainability Department, HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. said that Catch the Drop is the largest ever national environmental and educational campaign of its kind in Malta with an aim to forge a blueprint for progress on sustainability of water as a resource.

While in Brussels the delegation also held meetings with the European Commission, European Parliament Water Group, and officials from the Permanent Representation of Malta to the European Union.