Integrating Photovoltaic Installations into our buildings Sustainability

Chantal Stagno Navarra MCIOB

Electricity generation from small- and large-scale Photovoltaic installations is expected to continue to increase steadily reaching approximately 11.5% of the national gross final electricity consumption. The local building industry has shifted from house-type building towards more multi-storey buildings resulting in less available roof top space.

In 2017 the government launched a solar farm policy for commercial businesses such as large-scale rooftops, car parks, industrial areas and quarries. The government also launched a scheme which allows households that do not have access to a private roof to invest in virtual photovoltaic ownership. In 2017, 366 households started benefitting from their participation in this scheme.

The advantages of such installations are:

Although they are expensive installations, in many countries, they are subject to incentives

Give immediate economic savings given by the production of electricity

Contribute to a drastic reduction of atmospheric CO2 emissions.

Increase the economic value of the property where the equipment is installed

Don’t require particular expensive maintenance

29th Annual Engineering Conference

Organized by the Chamber of Engineers

Integration of PV systems into buildings by replacing roofing elements, windows, shadings and glazed facades offers the opportunity of cost reduction by substitution of conventional building materials with PV materials.

On the 14th of October, the MCCM Secretary Ms. Chantal Stagno Navarra MCIOB, attended the 29th annual engineering conference entitled Sustainable Development Goals – an Engineering Perspective. An event organized by the Chamber of Engineers and focused on the current local situation and the challenges the engineers and architects alike are facing. Minister for Public Works and Planning, Hon Dr. Stefan Zrinzo addressed the conference and emphasized on the importance of making our buildings efficient in relation to the financing part of the property. He insisted on the low carbon model Malta needs to achieve and pointed out that our country needs more engineers not only in the construction industry but also within the regulatory sector. Various renowned speakers were invited to this event, and all agreed that more action is required to meet the UN 2030 Agenda. The recent pandemic and the current war have created a more challenging situation as regards to affordable energy and clean water supply. They emphasized on the importance of creating sustainable cities, manage our energy systems and create new business models that take into consideration sustainable methods.

Our presence in this conference is a confirmation of the MCCM commitment in the upscaling of the local construction industry and our support to such events organized by other fellow professional bodies.