The government looks at ST Microelectronics as a benchmark in environmental initiatives, Environment Minister George Pullicino said yesterday at the launch of the new Green Office Label scheme for government departments, ministries and agencies.

Over the years, ST Microelectronics has invested heavily in environmental initiatives, even though most of them were not required by law. A few years ago, the company was honoured with the European Union’s Environmental Award for the measures it took for sustainable development.

Minister Pullicino admitted that the country had not done as much as ST Microelectronics in the field of the environment but added that “we will catch up”. He said that following the introduction of green leaders in the civil service, the government was now introducing the Green Office Label Scheme.

Following extensive research, a list of 100 environmental best practices were drawn up and tested in six ministries. He said that in each department, ministry or government agency, there will be a “green” focal person.

By way of the Green Office Scheme, several employees will be given training in collaboration with the Staff Development Office within the Office of the Prime Minister. He said each ministry will be expected to send a specific percentage of its staff for training, as part of the Green Office Label Scheme.

Referring to the eco projects in schools, Mr Pullicino said that from the six schools wherein the project was originally launched, there is now a total of 46 schools participating in the project.

Speaking about the targets, Minister Pullicino said that by the end of 2007, a number of ministries, government departments and government agencies would have achieved the Green Office Label title.

Thanks to the introduction and implementation of various environmental initiatives, ST Microelectronics managed to reduce water consumption from 180,000 cubic metres to 46,000 cubic metres following the installation of a water treatment plant.

At the end of yesterday’s event, ST Microelectronics general manager Gene Gretchen presented Minister Pullicino with 300 olive trees. Mr Pullicino said that the target for the 34U campaign was the planting of 10,000 trees by the end of 2006. Until now, 7,800 trees have been planted. In 2007, the government will be increasing its target to 20,000 trees for that year.