A new scheme has as its main objective the assistance of sport organisations to reduce their energy consumption and improve their energy performance by increasing energy efficiency.
The scheme was introduced today by SportMalta and The Energy & Water Agency.
Engineer Charles Buttigieg explained the concept and regulations of the energy efficiency scheme. He said that the sport organisations registered with SportMalta who own their premises or are using Government property as their premises can benefit from the scheme. “It gives organisations the opportunity to apply for this grant to invest in energy saving applications, which ultimately benefit the premise and those using it.”
He further explained that the grant is a means of improving in equipment efficiency. The grant could help in reducing energy consumption of heating and cooling systems, and the improvement of lighting efficiency. “For lighting, one could invest in energy saving light bulbs or invest in light sensors to save in energy costing.” He said that the grant was not applicable for maintenance work nor consumables and that improvement in equipment should have no direct impact on competition performances.
The maximum eligible cost cannot be more than €50,000, while the minimum eligible cost shall be €250. If the investment sums up to €20,000 the grant shall cover 100% of the costs; while in the case where the investment is greater than €20,000 the grant covers 90%.
“This scheme is part of the vision of sustainability and how we can maintain balance and improving our sport facilities”, said Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youths and Sports.
Highlighting Grima’s comments, Energy and Water Minister Joe Mizzi said that the scheme will improve the quality of Maltese sport premises, especially if they could not afford to do so before and that it is a step forward in a sustainable future.
Mark Cutajar, Head of SportMalta said that the new scheme was a step forward to improving sustainability, especially in regards to sport facilities across the Maltese Islands.