More voluntary organisations to benefit from energy and water efficiency scheme
Fifth edition offers up to €27,000 in grants to help groups cut emissions and operating costs
The energy and water efficiency scheme for voluntary organisations was relaunched for the fifth time on Friday as applications grow every year.
Over the past three years, the scheme has supported over 85 voluntary organisations with a total of €1.8 million in funds allocated.
Energy Minister Miriam Dalli and the Minister for the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia announced the new scheme during a visit to the Nicolò Isouard Philharmonic Society in Mosta, which benefitted from the scheme to invest in more efficient operational systems.
“It is important that everyone is included in our efforts towards a more sustainable country. Every sector has a role to play, making this transition increasingly fair and inclusive. Voluntary organisations often face financial challenges, and this scheme provides the necessary support for them to adopt more efficient and practical systems,” Dalli said.
Farrugia added that inter-ministerial collaboration is providing concrete tools to voluntary organisations to make the necessary environmental leap for greater sustainability.
“The money they save can now be invested in projects that benefit the community,” Farrugia said.
The scheme, administered by the Energy and Water Agency in collaboration with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), will once again assist voluntary organisations in improving the efficiency of energy and water use within their facilities, not only from a sustainability perspective, but also to reduce operational costs.
Eligible voluntary organisations will be given a grant of up to €27,000, to install or replace equipment in their premises, aiming to reduce emissions and operate using more efficient systems.
With over 120 interventions to date, past beneficiaries include sports clubs, band clubs, and various social and musical groups. Projects have ranged from the installation of solar water heaters and LED lighting to upgrades of air conditioning systems, kitchen and cleaning appliances, and restoration of water reservoirs.
Given the scheme’s success, applications will now also reopen to organisations that have already benefited in the past and wish to implement further sustainable measures.
Applications open on July 15 and an online information session on the Energy and Water Efficiency Scheme for Voluntary Organisations will be held on June 25.