Energy investment a rising priority, backed by stronger business support

Energy and industry experts share their insights during EWA-MBB Workshop

The Energy & Water Agency (EWA) and the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) have partnered to support Maltese businesses in moving beyond quick wins and investing in long-term energy and water efficiency improvements that deliver lasting value.

During a half-day seminar industry experts discussed how to effectively present the business case for energy audits to senior management, with the aim of turning audit recommendations into concrete action. The discussion focused on demonstrating the financial benefits of efficiency investments, such as lower utility bills and reduced maintenance costs, as well as their positive environmental impact.

The workshop underlined the ongoing need for accessible funding opportunities and tailored technical guidance to support businesses in taking the next steps toward energy sustainability.

Ing. Charles Buttigieg, Chief Policy Officer (SSU) at EWA remarked 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. Today’s workshop was designed to bring together energy auditors and chambers/associations who are in regular contact with our businesses and are thus in a key position to assist our enterprise”.

Addressing the workshop, MBB CEO Mario Xuereb stated, “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. This includes the time needed to adapt, limited technical capacity, and the need for accessible funding. Today’s workshop is not just about EU policy and goals. It’s about how we can, in our respective roles, better support Maltese businesses.”

Participants also received updates on the latest funding opportunities available to businesses, as well as recent revisions to EU legislation on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Improving energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to reach climate neutrality by 2050. It also plays a critical role in boosting business competitiveness through lower energy costs.

The event forms part of the EnergyEfficiency4SMEs (EE4SMEs) project, an EU LIFE initiative designed to support SMEs lower their energy consumption and costs. The workshop highlighted how energy audits can help businesses identify energy-saving opportunities and areas for improved resource efficiency.

The EE4SMEs project is co-funded under the EU LIFE Programme and supports SMEs in the accommodation, metalworks, and agri-food sectors. Support is offered through funding for energy audits, guidance on accessing other funding schemes, and training opportunities to help reduce energy use.

The project consortium consists of 23 partners working together to support companies across 10 countries. These include Malta, Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.