Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1518324
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 MARCH 2024 6 COMMERCIAL 2024: The game-changing year in building and construction IN 2024, the Building and Con- struction industry in Malta is poised for significant transfor- mation. The implementation of new legislations is set to revolutionise property stand- ards across the nation. These regulations will improve the quality of properties for buyers and tenants, incorporating es- sential features such as energy efficiency. The introduction of the new Document F, effective from July 1st, 2024, mandates adher- ence to Minimum Energy Per- formance Requirements. This initiative not only aligns Malta with European carbon emis- sion reduction targets but also ensures landlords and build- ing owners are guided towards higher standards. Historically, industry prac- tices have been rooted in out- dated methodologies dating back to the 1800s. Today's re- ality demands a departure from these approaches. Document F addresses contemporary needs such as insulation, double glaz- ing, and other modern features, replacing traditional practices. These practices originated in a time when lighting and heat- ing were non-existent, prompt- ing our ancestors to construct buildings with high windows to maximize natural light, high ceilings to mitigate heat, and double walls, among oth- er strategies. Today, changing realities necessitate different considerations, such as insula- tion, double glazing, and other features outlined in Document F. This document serves as an indispensable roadmap, pro- viding guidelines for profes- sionals in various sectors, in- cluding architects, designers, and contractors involved in both construction and finish- ing aspects of buildings. As the authoritative body for the building and construction industry in Malta, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) spearheads these trans- formative efforts. Recognising the impending workload, BCA will continue to bolster its workforce by recruiting archi- tects, engineers, and technical officers. Collaborative efforts with the Planning Authority streamline the design process, minimising disruptions. These reforms promise tan- gible benefits for homeowners and tenants, including reduced energy costs, enhanced com- fort, improved air quality, and increased property values. Ulti- mately, these changes enhance Malta's construction standards to align with European bench- marks, marking a pivotal mo- ment in the industry's evolu- tion. For more information visit www.bca.org.mt.