Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1335955
14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 3 FEBRUARY 2021 COMMERCIAL STUDIES show that Green In- frastructure can substantially mitigate the adverse impacts that urbanisation and densely populated areas have on the en- vironment, resulting in better air quality, water management and biodiversity protection. Having greener streetscapes supports mental health and encourages people to walk more. "At the heart of Green In- frastructure is the principle of co-existence, where we start to co-exist with the natural envi- ronment instead of developing in conflict with it," says Martin Saliba, chairperson of the PA's executive council. "This scheme is serving as a catalyst to promote and sup- port the introduction of GI in our urban areas. We know that by encouraging and supporting private property owners to in- troduce green facades, walls and the green retrofitting of front gardens we are directly and posi- tively addressing climate change, public health, biodiversity and community cohesion." What does the scheme cover? With an allocated budget of €2 million, the scheme will fi- nance the introduction of green facades, walls and the green ret- rofitting of front gardens carried out by private property owners living in residential areas. The scheme promises to re- fund 100% of the eligible works, including all costs associated with labour works, material, hire of equipment, a five-year main- tenance plan and professional and consultancy fees. The overall funding will be capped up to a maximum of €10,000 per property. The reimbursement of costs will occur over five years, with 60% on completion of works and the remaining after the first, third and fifth year after comple- tion. Who is eligible? The scheme is aimed at private residences which have a front garden or apartment blocks in- cluding penthouses that have their balconies overlooking a public street or space. Shops and offices with existing front gardens within these areas may benefit from the scheme. Residences which fall within the development zone but are scheduled or within Urban Con- servation Areas or villa/bunga- low sites within Residential Pri- ority Areas are not eligible. What works are covered? The scheme applies to the cre- ation of green walls or facades and the retrofitting of existing front gardens. A green wall is a wall covered with plants that are growing in modular containers or on special material attached to the wall. For the introduction of a green wall - including panels, plants, and irrigation system within the front garden, including hard- ware, timers, fertigation etc - there is a capping of €500/m2. When it comes to green fa- cades, created by cultivating climbing plants up and across a facade of a building from plants grown in garden beds at its base, this will be capped at €250/m2 for the groundwork and €35/m2 for the provision of a trellis. Green retrofitting reduces the area of hard landscaping and increases the area of soil space and planting. The retrofitting of front gardens will be capped at €500/m2. If the front garden is located above a basement, the capping will increase to €600/ m2. When does it start? This scheme will open on Mon- day February 15th and is availa- ble on a first-come-first-served basis. To facilitate the process- ing of the submissions, requests for funding are to be made by Periti through the Authority's online e-Application system. The scheme will remain open until the 9th of April, or before- hand if the allocated budget is taken up. The Authority has also published a guidance document to assist interested parties on issues related to what consid- erations to keep in mind before deciding which green infrastruc- ture to introduce, what choice of living plants can be used and their upkeeping. The funds for this scheme are being made available by the Au- thority from the fees it generates from the regularisation process application. The regularisation process application provides property owners with the opportunity to regularise existing non-con- formant developments located entirely within the development boundaries. For more information about the Green Your Building grant scheme call 2290 1544 or email greenyourbuilding@pa.org.mt. Terms and conditions may be downloaded from the PA's web- site www.pa.org.mt. Photo: Malta Doors Planning Authority launches 'Green Your Building' scheme The Planning Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning, rolled out a new green initiative grant scheme to turn grey built-up residential areas into healthier green places to live in