PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS AND THE MINISTRY FOR INCLUSION AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR: Energy and Water Efficiency Scheme for voluntary organisations launched

With over 85 voluntary organisations supported and €1.8 million in allocated funds over the past three years, the fifth call of the Energy and Water Efficiency Scheme for voluntary organisations has now been launched.

This was announced during a press conference by Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli and Minister for the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia, following a visit to the Nicolò Isouard Philharmonic Society in Mosta, which benefitted from the scheme to invest in more efficient operational systems.

Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted the scheme’s success and the continued interest shown by voluntary organisations, resulting in an increasing number of applications each year. “It is important that everyone is included in our efforts towards a more sustainable country. Every sector has a role to play, making this transition increasingly fair and inclusive. Voluntary organisations often face financial challenges, and this scheme provides the necessary support for them to adopt more efficient and practical systems,” said Minister Dalli.

For her part, Minister Julia Farrugia explained how this launch ties directly with the Malta Vision 2050 strategy unveiled by the Government earlier this year. “This scheme is yet another example of how this Government continues to lead with a policy based on vision, not on short-term reactions. Through inter-ministerial collaboration between public entities, we are providing concrete tools to voluntary organisations to make the necessary environmental leap and become part of our journey toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable Malta. The money they save can now be invested in projects that benefit the community.”

“All this forms part of our vision for Malta by 2050 – Malta Vision 2050 – where we envision a strong society built on solidarity, and where every investment in the environment is also an investment in the quality of life of our communities. We have full confidence in the capacity of our voluntary organisations to be catalysts for positive change – and as a government, we will continue to support them, not just with words, but with concrete assistance,” concluded Minister Farrugia.

The scheme, administered by the Energy and Water Agency in collaboration with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), will once again assist voluntary organisations in improving the efficiency of energy and water use within their facilities, not only from a sustainability perspective, but also to reduce operational costs.

Eligible voluntary organisations will be given a grant of up to €27,000, whereby these funds will help these organisations install or replace equipment in their premises, aiming to reduce emissions and operate using more efficient systems.

With over 120 interventions to date, past beneficiaries include sports clubs, band clubs, and various social and musical groups. Projects have ranged from the installation of solar water heaters and LED lighting to upgrades of air conditioning systems, kitchen and cleaning appliances, and restoration of water reservoirs. Given the scheme’s success, applications will now also reopen to organisations that have already benefited in the past and wish to implement further sustainable measures.

Manuel Sapiano, CEO of the Energy and Water Agency, reiterated the Agency’s continued commitment to support voluntary organisations in advancing sustainable development. “This scheme reflects the Agency’s commitment to strengthen voluntary organisations by reducing their energy and water consumption, lowering costs, and operating more efficiently to further environmental goals in Malta.”

Applications for the scheme open on 15 July 2025. Interested organisations are encouraged to attend an online information session on 25 June 2025, which will provide further details on the scheme and address any questions about the application process. For more information on the Energy and Water Efficiency Scheme for Voluntary Organisations, visit https://energywateragency.gov.mt/voluntary-organisations-scheme/.