Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1465732
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 APRIL 2022 12 COMMERCIAL Climate change – an important trigger to embrace change, an ambitious culture change THE climate change theme is a reality that we are current- ly experiencing. The risks that climate change poses imply that economies are subject to change and are expected to im- plement actions to mitigate the risks to enhance the chances to improve our environment in a responsible and timely manner. This is no small feat, especial- ly when one considers how our socio-economic environment is continuously evolving, and this within the context of the post pandemic scenario and the un- certainty that the situation in Ukraine brings with it. We talk about 'green'; we hear about decarbonization of econ- omies, but not everyone seems to realize the consequences of failing to address the issues and risks in a timely manner. Being proactive and adapting quickly is key for our future. The seem- ingly long-term affect may be a reason for reluctance to change, coupled with the fact that gen- erally and traditionally, the ma- jority are not yet accustomed to thinking long-term and remain predominately versed to stick to the shorter-term vision, trig- gering a 'quick wins' approach rather than solving grass roots problems that yield longer term benefits. The building and construc- tion sector is no stranger to the matter. Data suggests that this sector comes in second only to the transport and en- ergy sector in terms of emis- sions contribution. In Malta, these contribute to around 15% of the total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and are a key sector in our efforts towards a climate-neutral EU; this apart from the indirect contribution to emissions due to the use of energy. As the economy con- tinues to develop, the demand for and consumption of energy increase, particularly in Mal- ta, which is mainly driven by a service-based economy. Hence, instilling behavioural changes towards more energy efficient building practices is pivotal in our endeavours towards climate neutrality. The characteristics of our country; being an island state, the geographical location, and the way the built environment evolved over time, makes it even more challenging to em- brace change and adopt meas- ures to combat climate change. That said, these aspects are no excuse and, as a nation, the earlier we embrace and imple- ment change, the better are the chances to succeed. An important element un- derlying the Building and Con- struction Authority's (BCA) strategy towards the industry's transformation, is based on the long-term renovation strategy. This strategy, in combination with other measures, is looking at the reduction of carbon emis- sions from buildings in line with the climate neutrality ambition set by the European Green Deal and the requirements of the En- ergy Performance of Buildings Directive. It effectively encourages reno- vation and the uptake of modern technology as well as promoting renewable energy sources. This is a prime trigger towards the much-desired sectorial culture change. Emphasis and careful atten- tion are being exerted on the process; strategy to action plan, as it is critical that the imple- mentation process entails the balancing of a considerable number of measures. These include a combination of the right mix of regulations or pol- icies, and incentives, including schemes and grants, to generate change. BCA is primarily deal- ing with culture change and is therefore attempting to raise awareness through education- al campaigns and programmes that are considered of top pri- ority as changes to behavio- ral aspects are required. This deals with solving the grass root problem first, followed by con- current steps towards improve- ment – raising of standards. Focusing on standards, the plan is to introduce building and construction national codes that will shape our industry, complemented by concurrent gradual regulatory provisions that should see the alignment of main stakeholders as well as addressing the vocational skills gap. These basic but essential elements will provide the foun- dation to support the industry's preparedness and make the most of the opportunities that lay ahead. The Authority's aim is to ensure that this transfor- mation is supported in order to move towards a qualitative local construction related fabric whereby contractors, develop- ers and professionals become an intrinsic part of the dynamic market embracing change. Es- sentially, in this way, the indus- try itself would lead. Although ambitious in its na- ture, there are major opportu- nities that may be taken up. If one had to simply look at a shift from traditional practices to adaptation of new methodolo- gies and related proven rather innovative practices, these may well generate new niches and add value. Materials and com- ponents, new skills, and spe- cialization provide various op- portunities that go far beyond resistance to change but help stakeholders to be able to over- come financial and technical barriers. Such opportunities have al- ready been presented as the BCA launched a number of 'pi- lot projects' over the past weeks that relate to the themes which contribute to the transforma- tion process. These include an accredited course for profes- sionals on renovation and deep renovation aspects of buildings aimed at addressing capacity building and skills starting from professionals. One may visit the Malta Qualifications Database (gov.mt) for more information about this course. The 'Irrino- va Darek' scheme aims to start addressing the improvement of energy performance within ex- isting private dwellings. Moreo- ver, there have been changes in legislation relating to the 'Well- being First Initiative', aimed at upscaling processes and prac- tices related to the construction process of buildings, promoting the importance of continuous risk assessment and protection to third parties. Finally, BCA believes that awareness and knowledge shar- ing of good practices is key to industry's transformation and is currently investing and pre- paring to improve on awareness campaigns. In fact, the BCA will be present at the forth- coming Valletta Green Festival and MARE Summit with the aim of creating more aware- ness on how one can reduce carbon emissions, essential to meet Malta's 2050 low-carbon development goals. This would only be the start as the BCA fully understands the sense of urgency for a decarbonization campaign to be sustained and to help shape a more ambitious agenda for change, in education and across society, particularly amongst young people. For further information visit www.bca.org.mt