MEPA ‘ignoring legislation’ by approving applications lacking Energy Performance Certificates

Last week’s granting of a permit for a large, social housing development in Kirkop, which lacked the legally-required Energy Performance Certificate, shows that the authorities are prepared to flout Maltese and European Union law, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) said yesterday.

And this, the organisation said, despite the fact that the Environment Planning Commission Chairman has proclaimed that, “the government should lead by example” in this regard.

In a statement released yesterday, FAA said that, “while many home-owners are appreciating the long-term benefits of buying properties that incorporate energy-saving technology, some developers take a short-sighted approach in order to sell a product that is cheaper in every way.

“It was encouraging to hear Minister Michael Falzon and MEPA Chairman Vince Cassar stress the importance of energy efficiency, but MEPA still refuses to implement the legal requirement of Energy Performance Certificates in order to appease developers.

“This has grave consequences, as it will not only impact our environment for years to come, but also increases Malta’s energy bill, adds to air pollution and exposes the taxpayer to heavy fines from the EU, which has already commenced action against Malta for failing to implement energy efficiency directives.”

Citing Mepa’s DC Policy and Design Guidelines 2007, which “encourage the design of buildings to save energy, the incorporation of specific energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable sources of energy in new development,” FAA said that the statement confirmed that it is MEPA’s responsibility to ensure that buildings are energy efficient.

“It is unthinkable that, after months and hundreds of objections from FAA on the lack of Energy Performance Certificates, the MEPA Planning Directorate still does not take this European and national legislation seriously,” FAA said.

It also pointed out that it is in developers’ best interest to certify that energy efficiency measures have been implemented in their developments, now that buyers are increasingly favouring such properties and are becoming aware of the importance of such measures in reducing heating and cooling bills.

The NGO yesterday applauded recent initiatives, such as the upgrading of the Cospicua seafront, the protection of the Ta’ Haġrat Temples and the issuing of the MEPA circular highlighting the importance of protecting urban gardens. However, it urged the authorities, “to take the courageous stand of enforcing energy legislation, which ultimately is to the benefit of all”.