We keep on hearing appeals for the responsible use of recreational cannabis, for responsible waste separation, responsible drinking and driving, responsible use of social media, and so many other responsibilities.

Yet, what about responsible energy use?

With the government pledging that the energy subsidy will continue, one may wander off thinking that we could use up energy as much as we please for whatever reason, even if unnecessary or, worse, wasteful.

It's time to foster consumer choices related to responsible energy consumption, starting off with a digitally delivered, self-paced energy literacy training programme on the knowledge, attitude and behaviour related to it. Energy literacy training enhances the prevalence of pro-environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intentions among citizens, paving the way for responsible energy consumption.

It involves making informed choices about energy sources, reducing overall demand, and optimising the efficiency of energy-consuming systems. This practice extends beyond individual actions to encompass organisational policies and governmental regulations aimed at sustainable energy management, while recognising the finite nature of our energy resources.

Responsible energy use must be applied across all sectors of society. Individuals should practise it by adopting energy-saving habits at home, such as turning off lights, adjusting thermostats, turning off computer screens if not used for an extended period of time, and choosing energy-efficient appliances.

Businesses should implement energy management systems to optimise operations, invest in energy-saving technologies, and explore renewable energy options for their facilities.

It's good that the government is establishing building codes that mandate energy efficiency standards for new construction and offer incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

Still, the transportation sectors should promote more public transit, electric vehicles, and fuel-efficient technologies to reduce energy consumption and emissions. These applications collectively can definitely contribute to a more responsible energy use.

Realising that you can reduce consumption without reducing comfort is already a good start. Just think about it.

                                                     A timely warning

Every country has a story hidden beneath its surface, shaped not just by people but by ancient landscapes and geological forces too. Under our streets, buildings and other areas lies an unseen subsurface that has a major influence on how our country functions, grows and adapts.

The Malta Chamber of Geologists (MCG) has publicly warned that proceeding with a multi-billion-euro mass transport project without a recognised geological profession is a "high-stakes gamble".

Such a stern warning couldn't have come at a better time.

It is a real pity that, ever since the Jean Paul Sofia Inquiry had particularly stressed the need to give the required and indispensable role to geologists in multiple issues related to the construction industry, the government and the respective authorities are still dragging their feet in affording not only professional status to geologists but also denying their imperative participation and advice in such mega national projects as the intended mass transport project that will surely involve massive underground digging and excavations.

In my current capacity as legal counsel to the Chamber in the geologists' quest to acquire their rightful professional status and to be included as stakeholders in the Building and Construction Consultative Council (BCCC), I have been extensively researching the pivotal role of geologists in various countries that have undertaken and finalised such mega projects as mass transport systems.

Geologists, specifically engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers, play an indispensable role in metro construction, acting as the "interpreters" of the subsurface conditions to ensure safety, efficiency, and feasibility. Their work spans from initial planning to construction supervision and post-construction monitoring.

Geological data is essential in identifying rock types, soil layers, and the depth of bedrock, using geophysical tools and borehole drilling to gather data on the material properties, identifying weak zones or faults that could threaten structural integrity.

Geologists can point out potential risks such as unexpected underground water flows, unstable soils, faults, or voids. This is crucial for avoiding disasters like the collapse of nearby buildings, which have occurred during excavations over the last few years in different parts of the island.

The realm of geology is ever-evolving, shaped by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and the changing needs of society.

One augurs that the government will not continue to ignore and belittle the importance of the Chamber of Geologists, as in doing so, it would be betraying its fundamental duty of safeguarding public safety.

                                                             Digital vehicle licences

Director General of the Insurance Association Malta (IAM), Adrian Galea, recently publicly suggested a forward-looking change to a now old-fashioned vehicle licence system.

Just last year, the UK government planned to introduce digital driving licences, aiming to leverage technology to simplify public services.

In Denmark, the Agency for Digital Government, established in 2011, developed the world's first driving licence app, marking a significant step toward digital identification. This innovative solution allows Danish citizens to carry their driving licences on their smartphones, providing a convenient and secure alternative to physical cards. Within a year of its launch, the app was downloaded by 1.6 million Danes and is used approximately 45,000 times daily.

Around the world, driver's licences are poised to make the move from wallets, card holders, and purses to mobile phones. Numerous states and countries have spent the past half a decade exploring the effectiveness, security, and user experience of mobile driver's licences (mDLs), and, independently, they have largely reached the same conclusion: that there is now an increasingly compelling case for digital driver's licences, not just as proof of driving eligibility but also to act as verification of identity in a much wider set of situations.

And also last year, the European Parliament approved a sweeping reform of EU driving licence rules aimed at reducing collisions and saving almost 20,000 lives a year on European roads. The update introduced a digital driving licence, accessible via a mobile phone, which is intended to gradually become the main format across the EU.

In April 2025, the European Union legislators, the Commission, Council and Parliament agreed on the final compromise text of the new Driving Licence Directive that will replace the current Directive 2006/126/EC.

While the new Directive has not yet been published, I gather that Transport Malta is already actively preparing for the changes that this new Directive will require in the context of driver testing and licensing. This follows Transport Malta's active role throughout the negotiations on the new Directive, first at Council and then during a trilogue between the Council, Commission and Parliament.

I expect that many will welcome this new digital era dawning for Maltese motorists and road safety authorities.

Dr Mark Said is a lawyer