Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1267406
09.07.2020 7 INTERVIEW significant of these initiatives is the generation of around 1.3 Megawatt of energy through PV panels installed on the roofs of buildings belonging to the group which next year is expected to double. We have also taken a deci- sion to gradually change all company cars to electric vehicles – a number of these cars are already on the road. Moreover, on significant occasions we plant a number of trees in public places such as schools, gardens, group property etc. In our major projects such as the Campus Hub project at the University of Malta and the Vas- sallo Business Park in Burmarrad we are using environment-friendly and energy-saving technology to further enhance our contribution to the envi- ronment. This includes the use of what is called "Bubble Deck" instead of beams allowing us to recycle some 140 tons of plastic avoiding 1.5 million tons of Carbon Dioxide from being released into the air. Of the group's current interests, what are you most excited about? Venturing into new areas in health and social care tops the list of pro- jects together with investing in one of the largest business parks in Malta the campus residence at the. As re- gards the care sector, moving forward our aim is to branch into specialised homes and services in the elderly, disability and mental health services. When we made the first steps in the elderly sector in 1993 we were years ahead of what eventually became a much crowded market. In the same way we feel we will be leaders in the provision of specialized services ad- dressing particular conditions and contribution to making the life of so many inidividuals a better one. These areas include dementia, autism, ALS and degenerative diseases, mental health care etc. You remain the face the public associates with Vassallo Group, but the younger generations are taking on more responsibilities within the group. How optimistic are you about the group's future? I am totally optimistic that all my children, who are now heavily in- volved in the business, will continue growing the business as I have been doing for the past 53 years. Each one of them leads and focus- es on a particular sector but together they also work in the interest of the group as a whole. What will Vassallo Group look like 10 years down the line? Will property and development remain the core of the group's focus? Property development and manage- ment although important are not the only core of our business. Today the care segment of our business is the biggest contributor. My dream is for us to still be leaders in all the sectors we operate in namely the construction, care, property and hospitality as well as establish ourselves in new areas such as student accommodation through Campus Hub, provide a sustainable solution to the artisanal, commercial and trade industries through the Vas- sallo Business Park as well as grow our involvement in education and training. honestly' Honestly, we have no regrets because each experience we have gone through – the more successful and the less successful – has helped us grow, become wiser and take good decisions that led to positive results