Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537913
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 JULY 2025 NEWS Irrinova Darek: Empowering energy- efficient home renovations in Malta THE Maltese government has launched the 'Irrinova Darek' scheme, an initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in residential buildings within the Northern Region. Launched by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in July 2025, the scheme builds on the suc- cess of the 2022 pilot scheme in the Grand Harbour area. The initiative contributes to nation- al and international renovation targets, particularly focusing on improving energy perfor- mance in homes. The Authority is implement- ing the scheme through a structured five-year regional rollout, designed to ensure or- ganised access across the Mal- tese Islands. The regional classi- fication follows the definitions established under Legal Notice XIV of 2019, amending the Local Councils Act (Cap. 363), which defines the official re- gions. This phased and region- ally aligned approach ensures that homeowners throughout Malta and Gozo have equitable access to the scheme in a trans- parent and orderly manner. Objectives and Implemen- tation The grant scheme is open from 23rd July to 31st August 2025, both days included. The primary goal of 'Irrinova Darek' is to support homeowners in undertaking renovations that significantly improve the energy performance of their dwellings. Eligible properties include those in towns such as Ħ'Attard, Ħal-Balzan, Naxxar, Mellieħa, Mġarr, Mosta, Imtar- fa, San Ġwann and San Pawl il- Baħar. The scheme offers finan- cial assistance covering up to 90% of renovation costs, with a maximum grant of €15,000 per household. An additional 1,000 is available exclusively for the installation of solar wa- ter heaters or heat-pump water heaters. The first phase of the scheme asks only the interested party to register on bca.gov.mt by submitting a copy of the ID card number (front and back) and a proof of ownership of the property one is applying for such renovations. To qualify, then homeowners must engage a registered en- ergy performance assessor to evaluate their property's cur- rent energy status and propose measures that achieve at least a 20% improvement over and above the Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) benchmark. The renovations focus on pas- sive energy efficiency meas- ures, such as replacement of apertures, insulation of build- ing envelope, roof, insulation of exposed floors and floors to unconditioned spaces, in- stallation of renewable energy sources, draught control and improvement of airtightness, shading, installation and con- nection of second-class water systems, replacement of heat- ing, ventilation and air-con- ditioning systems or parts of systems with more efficient systems or parts of systems, installation of energy efficient lighting or systems enabling the introduction of natural lighting and installation of bi- omass water heater, solar wa- ter heater or heat-pump water heater. Significance of Energy Effi- ciency in Buildings Improving energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for Malta's environmental and socio-eco- nomic objectives. Buildings are significant contributors to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By enhancing the energy perfor- mance of residential buildings, Malta aims to reduce its carbon footprint, lower energy costs for residents, and promote sus- tainable development. The 'Irrinova Darek' scheme aligns with Malta's Long-term Renovation Strategy 2050, which prioritizes the renova- tion of the worst-performing building. By focusing on ener- gy efficiency first, the strategy seeks to address energy pov- erty, improve indoor comfort, and stimulate the green econ- omy through job creation in the renovation sector. Future Prospects The Irrinova Darek scheme reflects the BCA's continued commitment to fostering sus- tainable development and economic resilience across Malta. By providing targeted financial support and incentiv- izing innovation, this initiative empowers individuals to invest in forward-thinking solutions that align with national priori- ties. As the scheme gains trac- tion, it stands to play a crucial role in shaping a more robust, inclusive, and environmental- ly conscious economy for the years ahead. THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The proposed changes will make it harder for building permits to be overturned on appeal and also give the minister new powers to introduce regulations that estab- lish the "procedures, criteria, and conditions under which existing illegal developments or structures may be assessed, regulated, or otherwise addressed" by the PA. On Friday afternoon, the gov- ernment published Bill 143 and Bill 144 that will amend the Devel- opment Planning Act and the law regulating the Environment and Planning Tribunal, respectively. What was supposed to be a sim- ple change to stop development from taking place while a permit is being appealed has ended up be- ing a major overhaul of the plan- ning system. The prospected changes grant more discretionary power to plan- ning boards to deviate from poli- cies; limit the court's ability to re- voke permits; and limit appeals to the grounds stated in objections filed before a project is approved. The proposed reform also sug- gests that the most recent policy changes will override local plans and the overarching Strategic Plan for the Environment and De- velopment (SPED). An amendment also seeks to limit the type of information that Changes will make it harder to Prime Minister Robert Abela has proposed major planning law reforms that expand ministerial powers, limit appeals, and reduce public access to information