It has to be said that some positive steps have been taken to improve and protect urban areas, including the upgrading of the Cospicua seafront, the protection of the Ta’ Hagrat Temples, and the issuing of the MEPA circular highlighting the importance of protecting urban gardens.
On the other hand, last week’s granting of a permit for a large social housing development in Kirkop that lacked the legally-required Energy Performance Certificate, shows that the authorities are prepared to flout Maltese and EU law, even in a case where, as the Environment Planning Commission Chairman said “Government should lead by example”.
While many home-owners are appreciating the long-term benefits of buying properties that incorporate energy-saving technology, some developers take a short-sighted approach in order to sell a product that is cheaper in every way. While it was encouraging to hear Minister Michael Falzon and MEPA Chairman Vince Cassar stress the importance of energy efficiency, MEPA still refuses to implement the legal requirement of Energy Performance Certificates in order to appease developers. This has grave consequences as it will not only impact our environment for years to come, but also increases Malta’s energy bill, adds to air pollution and exposes the taxpayer to heavy fines from the EU which has already commenced action against Malta for failing to implement energy efficiency directives.
The DC Policy and Design Guidelines 2007 state that MEPA will “encourage the design of buildings to save energy, the incorporation of specific energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable sources of energy in new development” which confirms that it is MEPA’s remit to ensure that buildings are energy efficient. It is unthinkable that after months and hundreds of objections from FAA on the lack of Energy Performance Certificates, the MEPA Planning Directorate still does not take this European and national legislation seriously.
This attitude makes a mockery of Government’s assurances that it will achieve “Malta’s national 2020 target of producing 10% of Energy from renewable energy sources” as stated in Malta’s application for EU Cohesion Policy funding. The Authorities’ refusal to enact the renewable energy provisions is unacceptable and causing Malta to lose credibility at a European level.
It is in developers’ own interest to certify that energy efficiency measures have been implemented in their development, now that buyers are increasingly favouring such properties, being aware of the importance of such measures in reducing heating and cooling bills.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar urges the Authorities to take the courageous stand of enforcing energy legislation which ultimately is to the benefit of all.