Government-funded schemes are facilitating the production of energy-efficient solutions to promote sustainable households and buildings, the government said Friday. This support is leading to a greater uptake of such solutions, with operators and property owners eager to invest in sustainability.

This emerged during a visit to Finestral by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli and Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard. Finestral is a local company that produces PVC apertures. In addition to promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in the housing sector through their products, Finestral has also invested in its daily operations.

Finestral directors Kenneth Azzopardi and Jonathan Pace explained that 90% of the energy needed to run Finestral's operations is generated from solar panels. Furthermore, any offcuts from the PVC frames produced are recycled, minimising waste and contributing to a circular economy.

Minister Miriam Dalli stated: "We are proud to witness an increasing number of Maltese companies adopting the principles of sustainability, both in their product offerings and their operational practices. The shift we are observing is encouraging, highlighted by the innovative solutions companies are providing to their clients and the commitment to operating sustainably. These companies are making significant investments in energy efficiency and are actively reducing waste and enhancing their recycling efforts."

Through the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS), homeowners can apply for the roof insulation and double-glazing grant when upgrading their doors and windows and carrying out roof insulation works. The grant covers 50% of retrofitting costs, capped at €1,000. Since 2022 to date, REWS has already received 781 applications for this grant.

In parallel, through the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), homebuyers can benefit from a newly launched scheme which also supports the introduction of energy-efficient buildings. This scheme aims to incentivise the purchase of such properties and raise awareness of their benefits, offering a grant of up to €9,000 over three years to eligible homebuyers.

Minister Jonathan Attard said: "It is truly encouraging to witness companies like Finestral leading the way in sustainable construction practices. Their commitment to renewable energy, energy-efficient machinery, and recycling aligns seamlessly with our national objectives. The recently launched 'Ixtri Proprjetà Sostenibbli' scheme aims to promote the purchase of environmentally friendly homes, and Finestral's initiatives exemplify the standards we aspire to achieve. By actively participating in government schemes and educating the public on energy efficiency, Finestral demonstrates how the private sector can be a pivotal partner in our journey towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment for Malta."

Finestral Director Kenneth Azzopardi explained that the SME recently upgraded all the machinery in its factory to models that consume significantly less electricity, further reducing their carbon footprint. "Finestral is proud to carry on its mission of offering energy-efficient solutions through our PVC apertures. We are also glad that certain schemes offered by the government continue to strengthen the willingness of residents to change their current apertures to PVC apertures. From our end, we strive to guarantee a fantastic product and level of service," Mr Azzopardi said.

During the visit, the ministers were accompanied by Eng. Abigail Cutajar, the CEO of the Climate Action Authority and Roderick Bonnici, the CEO of BCA.