A new initiative to enable small businesses like local grocery stores to reduce their water and energy consumption − and thus, their bills − was announced in a press conference on Monday by the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development.

This pilot project entitled MERCA (Managing Essential Resources in Retail through Consumption Analysis) will start by carrying out gratis audits of the water and energy usage at these business outlets, by the EWA (Energy and Water Agency). The eligible businesses for this scheme will initially be those that fall under the list of the European NACE (G), that especially rely on cooling equipment like fridges and freezers − that use a lot of energy to run their business.

This scheme forms part of the government’s larger environmental sustainability goal, which seeks to decarbonise the Maltese economy by 2050, said Minister Miriam Dalli.

“We need to see every business do its part to decarbonize our economy”, she said.

On her part, the Chief Executive of the Chamber of SMEs, Abigail Mamo stated: “we want to see more economic justice, in helping our small businesses thrive.” 

This pilot project will span across two years and is estimated to cost around €50,000.

During these two years, water and electricity consumption data will be studied, practices and processes will be identified and funds will be allocated and distributed to make the necessary changes.

“We want to see our small business reduce bills,” said Abigail Mamo.

This project has come to fruition through the collaboration of the EWA and the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), formerly known as GRTU (General Retailers and Traders Union).

 

Photos: Miguela Xuereb/Newsbook