Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday highlighted the importance of energy-efficient buildings when he visited the newly converted HSBC bank building, which now generates fewer emissions.

“The bigger the change, the more we need to believe in it for it to succeed,” he said.

The project was an initiative between the HSBC Malta and the Chamber of Commerce. During a tour of the building, it was explained how all materials used in the building are recycled. The project was inspired by models like LEED, a holistic framework addressing criteria and goals related to climate change mitigation.

Abela praised the collaboration between the HSBC Malta and the Chamber of Commerce and also said that the country has important goals for clean and carbon-neutral infrastructure. He said that projects like this should serve as an example for others.

Abela also mentioned the role the financial sector should play in collective efforts towards green investments and initiatives. He said that the government is open to discussion and remains committed to promoting environmental consciousness.

Abela raised the discussion of whether it's time for banks to incentivise more investment in buildings that will have more energy efficiency. He said that the Malta Development Bank is an important tool to facilitate this.

The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to continue moving towards sustainability and bring about changes that will further progress and improve people's quality of life. He noted that the Climate Change Authority, which the Government has started to work on, will continue to bring together stakeholders with whom it can discuss and make important decisions and changes.