The Energy and Water Agency has been collaborating with ADENE – Agência para a Energia, the Portuguese Agency for Energy, on the implementation of an AQUA+ pilot study focused on improving water efficiency within Malta’s hospitality sector.
The initiative forms part of the AQUA+ project, which promotes sustainable water management practices and water efficiency measures across the Mediterranean region through the development and application of innovative methodologies and certification systems.
As part of this collaboration, EWA and ADENE held several meetings to discuss the implementation of the pilot study in Malta and to adapt the AQUA+ methodology to the local accommodation sector.
The pilot study was carried out in collaboration with two local hotels: Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel, part of the Corinthia Group, and InterContinental Malta, part of Eden Leisure Group. Both hotels voluntarily participated in the initiative and collaborated closely throughout the assessment process.
The study focused on the application of a voluntary Water Efficiency Certification System for buildings, developed by ADENE, aimed at assessing and certifying water efficiency in hotels and resorts. The system supports the reduction of water consumption and promotes more sustainable operational practices across tourism, residential, office, and service buildings.
During on-site visits, evaluations of the hotels’ water efficiency performance were conducted, including detailed reviews of water usage across guest rooms and operational areas such as kitchens, laundries, and other hotel services.
Based on the findings gathered throughout the assessment, recommendations were provided to help improve operational water efficiency, reduce potable water consumption, and strengthen sustainable water management practices within the participating hotels.
The pilot study also aimed to demonstrate the applicability of the AQUA+ methodology within the Maltese hospitality sector while increasing awareness of water conservation measures among accommodation establishments.
Following the completion of the pilot phase, the results and lessons learned from the Maltese experience will be shared through the AQUA+ project at a Mediterranean level, allowing other countries and stakeholders to benefit from the findings and replicate good practices in water efficiency and sustainable hotel management.
