Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are central to Malta’s economy, yet their full potential to contribute to the country’s energy transition still requires greater recognition and support.
The Energy & Water Agency (EWA) and the Malta Business Bureau (MBB), organised a half-day workshop, bringing together energy auditors, business support organisations, and industry experts. The session focused on how to present the business case for energy audits to senior management, turning recommendations into tangible actions.
The workshop highlighted the financial benefits of energy efficiency, such as reduced utility bills and lower maintenance costs, alongside its environmental impact. Participants also received updates on the latest EU policy developments and funding opportunities for energy and water efficiency measures.
Addressing the workshop, Inġ Charles Buttigieg, Chief Policy Officer (SSU) at EWA, stated that, “This workshop is one in a series of workshops that were organised to help enterprise in their journey to make their business more sustainable. We acted on the feedback that we receive during meetings that we have with businesses, and we selected expert speakers to address common queries and challenges’’.
Mario Xuereb, CEO of MBB, continued to emphasise the importance of supporting businesses through the evolving regulatory landscape, “We are all aware of the rapid pace of new EU legislation, particularly in sustainability. While these policies will bring environmental benefits, such as reduced emissions, we must also recognise the challenges they present for businesses.”
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from, FONDI.eu, and the Malta Development Bank, focusing on how enterprises can access funding and financing to implement efficiency improvements.
This workshop is part of a broader series under the EU Life EnergyEfficiency4SMEs project, which supports SMEs in sectors such as accommodation, metalworks, and agri-food. Support is offered through energy audits, guidance on funding schemes, and training opportunities aimed at lowering energy use and enhancing competitiveness.
