The Energy and Water Agency’s (EWA) initiative, GUEST – Guesthouse owners and Users Embarking on a Sustainable Transition, has been officially featured in the good practices database on the Interreg Europe programme website. This recognition highlights the initiative’s success in cultivating sustainable energy and water conservation within Malta’s hospitality sector.
Over the years, Malta has experienced significant growth in infrastructure, particularly in the accommodation sector, with a rise in guesthouses and boutique hotels. While this change has contributed to economic growth, it has also compelled a shift towards more sustainable energy and water practices.
To address these challenges, the GUEST initiative was introduced by EWA following a series of focus groups with guesthouse owners and operators. The initiative aimed at identifying key concerns and implement targeted measures to support sustainability. Evident obstacles faced by guesthouse owners include the lack of time, technical knowledge, financial resources, and awareness of available financial schemes. These issues were addressed by offering energy and water audits, providing a guided approach for technical support, and introducing training and exploring financial schemes to improve energy and water management within the sector.
The results of this initiative have been significant. A total of 28 guesthouses participated in the scheme, four of which are located in Gozo, achieving an average of 8.1% annual electricity savings. To commemorate their involvement and efforts, participants were recognised during a conference in November 2024. During the event, Manuel Sapiano, CEO of the Energy and Water Agency, emphasised the Agency’s commitment to promoting sustainability across all sectors. Earlier this year, another event was held in Gozo which formed part of the EU Life Project ‘EnergyEfficiency4SMEs.
This project aligns with EWA’s mission to support businesses, particularly small operators, in adopting sustainable practices. As guesthouses play a crucial role in Malta’s tourism industry, their transition to greener operations serves as a model for the broader hospitality sector.
The inclusion of GUEST in the Interreg Europe programme’s good practices database shows its success and impact, further encouraging sustainable measures within the industry.
As Simon Hunkin, Thematic Expert at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform noted, “Energy audit is a key first step in designing effective energy performance improvements, identifying the main areas for interventions to find those with maximum impact.”
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