The Energy and Water Agency participated in The Green Transition: Opportunities for Gozitan Enterprises, an information session organised by The Malta Chamber in collaboration with The Gozo Business Chamber. The event aimed to support Gozitan entrepreneurs, managers, and employers in understanding how sustainability can serve as a key driver of growth, competitiveness, and operational efficiency.
Tailored specifically for local businesses, the session highlighted practical and straightforward strategies to reduce operational costs while capitalising on up-coming opportunities within the circular economy and the green transition. Participants were also informed about various funding schemes available to support the adoption of more sustainable practices.
During the session, the Agency delivered a two-part presentation. The first part focused on the evaluation of the recast Energy Efficiency Directive and the obligations stemming from it. Providing further insight, Matthias Agius, Professional Executive (Energy) at the Energy and Water Agency, explained that the recast Directive introduces a significant shift in energy audit obligations, moving from criteria based on enterprise size to those based on energy consumption. Under the new legislation, enterprises exceeding a total energy consumption of 10 Terajoules (TJ) will be required to undertake an energy audit, while those exceeding 85 TJ must also implement an energy management system.
The second presentation focused on the Agency’s ongoing initiatives and support measures designed to assist businesses in meeting these new requirements. Mark Anthony Callus, Policy Officer within the Stakeholder Support Unit at the Energy and Water Agency, emphasised that the Agency’s schemes will be aligned with the new legislative framework. Eligibility will now be determined based on energy consumption rather than enterprise size or Nomenclature of Economic Activities (NACE) classification. Nevertheless, the Agency will continue to provide support to promote energy and water conservation principles without disrupting economic activity.
Despite the challenges faced by enterprises, the response to the new obligations was positive, with a clear determination from businesses to align their operations with the updated legislative requirements.
The Energy and Water Agency remains committed to assisting and guiding businesses in complying with the latest energy and water conservation legislation.
If you are interested in learning more about the available schemes, click here
