MEAGreen
MEAGreen
Although as a constituted body it doesn’t fall within our direct remit to stimulate and lead the commitment towards sustainable business environmental transitions, we are actually and tangibly doing it out of our firm belief in ESG principles and SDG goals. The Malta Employers’ Association is managing to do this through the MEAGreen Project.
The MEAGreen initiative is of a strategic objective of the MEA to offer leadership to its members on ESG matters dedicating substantial time and resources towards creating strong awareness amongst entrepreneurs that green growth makes business sense. The objective behind MEAGreen is to prepare companies for a world where business must be conducted within the highest Environmental, Social and Governance principles.
At the same time, the each individually-linked initiative was also aimed at contributing towards the country’s SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) laid down by the UN for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future – in particular those amongst the 17 Goals directed at Quality Education; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Clean Energy; Climate Action; Sustainable Communities; and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. All throughout, consistent input was sought from the ICT sector in light of the MEA’s strong belief that the optimization capabilities provided by ICT are a crucial enabler for attaining such goals.
As stated above, for the purpose of MEAGreen, the Association mobilized all its resources and internal channels of communication and membership engagement. Principal amongst these is the MEA TV Programme, with audiences exceeding 20,000 every week. The Association, dedicated several, 25-minute programmes to promote aspects related to ESG and SDG governance and panel discussions about the Circular Economy; Climate Change and Work; Green Jobs; Jobs in the Maritime Industry; the European Green deal and other similar topics.
Likewise, the MEA also made ample use of its online communication channels, in particular its website, social media and MEA Index portal to consolidate the messages imparted and provide sign-posting links to related resources (such as funding incentives, courses etc) placed at the disposal of interested companies by the competent authorities.
The MEA is also organizing a number of webinars on related topics often involving keynote speakers and experts of high repute to ensure interactive communication and engagement with members. For the same reason, so far, the MEA already dedicated two National Conference (organised in June 2021 and November 2021) to related topics, namely “Balancing Sustainable Economic Growth with Quality of Life” and “The Journey Ahead for SMEs & Green Growth”. Collectively, over 50 expert speakers addressed these two events involving several panel discussions to maximise interaction.
All throughout, the MEA’s SME Helpdesk kept in contact and established good working relationship with important leading stakeholders to keep itself abreast with all latest developments and opportunities arising from same, most notably in terms of the National Environment Strategic plan. Similarly, the MEA was constantly plugged into its prominent international and regional affiliations including ILO and EBSOMED from where relevant data, manuals and best practice information was periodically sourced and circulated to the business community.
An innovative feature of the conference organised within the MEAGreen initiative was a 150-page document which was pre-intended to derive concrete and lasting benefits from the event, which would be accessible to a wider audience, well beyond the group of people who participated actively in its event. This publication outlined the outcome of the discussions in the context of the positions put forward by business and the various authorities represented. The same information was further synergized into concrete recommendations forming part of the MEA’s “Pre-Election 2021 Memorandum” which was shared with political parties” and published in the media.
The MEAGreen initiative had clear and targeted objectives of influencing business and government decision makers towards orientating their strategies and processes in favour of ESG principles. The overarching intention behind MEAGreen was to support Malta’s path towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals laid down by the UN for a better, greener and fairer world.
The consistent messages emanating from the MEA throughout the duration of this project were disseminated to more than 800 enterprises, being those companies with the highest employment count and influence in Malta. This, besides around 20,000 weekly viewers of the MEA TV Programme, online and social media channels which were all mobilized for the purposes of this project. Feedback from the enterprises and public at large, as a result of the collective MEA initiatives, drove certain public sector agencies and NGOs to respond and initiate new programmes and incentives to support businesses in their innovative and greener objectives.
Several concrete initiatives, in fact, were taken in response to the private-sector’s positive reaction to orientate their operations towards carbon neutrality thereby reducing the exposure of their staff, clients and people residing in the immediate vicinity of their business location to potentially harmful pollutant emissions.
Amongst these,
- Transport Malta so far certifies vehicles converted to Hybrid Diesel Dual Fuel (HDDF) and issues them with a Vehicle Registration Certificate as evidence of their “clean vehicle” status.
- The Department of Contracts, issued Circular No 18 (15 November 2021) to regularise acceptance of vehicles which do not satisfy the desired EURO level standard (5) to be duly considered eligible to participate in any tendering process if the above-mentioned TM Vehicle Registration Certificate attests that the same standard has been achieved via technical after-treatment or through the retrofit of a Heavy-Duty Dual Fuel System.
- TM secured a €50m budget from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Fund to promote the transition to battery electric vehicles. The resultant incentives offered varied from €11,000 for each new electric car to €250,000 for new electric coaches or big trucks. The purchase of electric pedelecs and motorcycles was also promoted as was the conversion of heavy-duty vehicles to HDDF technology.
- In November 2021, the MEA signed an MoU with the Malta Enterprise to promote and support environmental-sustainable enterprises.
- Malta Enterprise launched various grants aimed at incentivizing sustainable business models such as Change to Grow, Investment Aid for Energy Efficiency Projects, Smart & Sustainable Investment Grant
- In May 2022, the MEA was approached by NGO “Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar” to endorse and sign an Environmental Charter aimed for better environmental policies and governance in Malta.
- The MEA was invited by a pan-Mediterranean association to contribute towards an EBSOMED Project involving a study on the application of Green Hydrogen and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, through the lens of sustainability, skills and green transition. Other Mediterranean partners were invited
- Further benefits emerged in that as a result of the initiative, the MEA representative on the EESC (Group 1) was able to transmit the feedback received from all actions taking place under MEAGreen to peer organisations at European and Euro-Med levels. In particular when Ms Sammut-Bonnici was rapporteur of the “Digital transition in the Euro-Mediterranean region” working-group and in her participation in conferences on “Geopolitics of energy strategies in the Mediterranean region”; “Enhancing labour mobility to support economic recovery.
During the duration of MEAGreen, in November 2020, MEA was approached to join the Foundation for Transport as one of the pioneer co-founders. Through MEA’s participation, hundreds of entrepreneurs benefitted from a number of webinars, focus group meetings and pilot projects and were able to participate and contribute through two conducted surveys.
The MEA was pleased to note that as a collective result of the MEA’s initiatives, business responded to the call for decarbonisation and Greener-solutions:
Energy generated from renewable sources for commercial use increased significantly from 57,509 to 93,454 kWp over the past 3 years.
Similarly, Malta now counts 1,112 electric cars belonging to companies. This represents a share of 13.5% from the electric vehicles registered.
Related links:
SMEs National Forum 2021 – post-event video production
SMEs National Forum 2021 – Main Conference -part1
SMEs National Forum 2021 – Main Conference -part2
SMEs National Forum 2021 – Promo
2021 Green Growth Publication PDF version / Issuu version
Promo June Event on “Balancing Sustainable Economic Growth with Quality of Life”
Graph
Directives
SMEs National Forum 2021
As part of its MEAGreen initiative aimed at providing leadership, support and objective guidance to members on (ESG) issues, the Association organised its SMEs National Forum 2021 to discuss “SMEs & Green Growth – The Journey Ahead”. This particular event was dedicated specifically to the Environment pillar of ESG after having organised another conference in June 2021 which discussed the Balance between Sustainable Economic Growth and Quality of Life as part of MEAGreen. So, within the space of a few months, it was deemed opportune to tackle the sensitive matter pertaining to the effect of economic growth on environmental sustainability, or put differently, the balance between production and the planet within the context of companies’ corporate sustainability motives or ESG responsibilities. Such balance is key to ascertaining a circular economy for Malta or harmony between these two existential objectives whilst safeguarding citizens’ quality of life.
SMEs National Forum 2021 – post-event video production
SMEs National Forum 2021 – Main Conference – part 1 & part 2
SMEs National Forum 2021 – Promo
Publication – March 2022
The MEA decided to publish a 150-page document as part of its MEAGreen initiative. The publication was an innovative feature and was pre-intended to derive concrete and lasting benefits from the SMEs National Forum 2022 event. The publication made the proceedings of the event accessible to a wider audience, well beyond the group of people who participated actively in the conference.
2021 Green Growth Publication PDF version / Issuu version
Official visit
Official visit to his Excellency President of Malta
Further to the SMEs National Forum 2021 event and related publication, as part of the MEAGreen initiative, the MEA decided to present the information, data, best-practice and recommendations to the President of Malta with a view to receive his endorsement and request his patronage to future initiatives organised under the MEAGreen project.
The decision to call solely on the President of the Republic was made in a conscious effort to ensure that this crucial message for the sustainable development of Malta would not be politicised during the middle of an electoral campaign.
Foundation for Transport
In line with its aspirations under its MEAGreen initiative, the Association thought it fitting to accept the challenge and invitation to become a co-founder member in the Foundation for Transport together with other prominent stakeholders such as Transport Malta and the University. The purpose of the MEA in the Foundation fits the objectives of MEAGreen in that it aims to influence Malta’s transition towards greener methods of transport and the achievement of a circular economy and SDG governance by supporting the transition of Maltese business towards same and ensuring the availability of the necessary talent and skills to support this transition in a seamless manner for the benefit of Malta’s economic development.
Cordial Meetings
Meetings with Malta’s Climate Change Ambassador
At the outset of the MEAGreen initiative, the MEA decided to immediately seek the active involvement of Malta’s Climate Change Ambassador – Prof Simone Borg. Prof Borg’s input was clearly sought for its technical and policy value. Besides, the Ambassador’s involvement was deemed crucial for the purposes of her influence, credibility and patronage towards to objectives of the MEAGreen project.
Prof Simone Borg also was invited to address last year’s SMEs National Forum, whereby her insights inspired the delegates present, and beyond, to reflect on what should be done without further delay.
MoU with Malta Enterprise
As part of the “MEAGreen initiative”, on 30.09.20, Malta Enterprise and the Malta Employers Association signed a cooperation agreement which will enhance collaboration between the two entities in the area of SDG, ESG and employment relations as well as contributing to MEAINDEX, an online resource for entrepreneurs.
The agreement cements the excellent relations between Malta Enterprise and MEA as a key social partner.
ME and MEA have also agreed on sharing aggregated information for the purpose of data analysis of facts and figures in relation to sustainable green employment in Malta.
MoU with Malta Maritime Forum
In the context of the vast advancements being undertaken in the maritime industry to decarbonise operations in view of strict EU and IMO regulations as well as consumer expectations, the MEA decided to negotiate and sign an MOU with the Malta Maritime Forum as the key interlocutor for the Maritime Industry with the local authorities. Under the MEAGreen initiative, the MEA sought to use this Agreement to gain further insight into best practice about the reduction of harmful pollutant emissions in the blue economy through exchange of information and contributions of MMF officials during MEA conferences, publications and TV programmes.
MEA TV Programmes
For the purpose of the MEAGreen initiative, the Association mobilized all its resources and internal channels of communication and membership engagement. Principal amongst these is the MEA TV Programme, with audiences exceeding 20,000 every week. The Association, dedicated several, 25-minute programmes to promote aspects related to ESG and SDG governance and panel discussions about the Circular Economy; Climate Neutrality and Work; Green Jobs; Jobs in the Maritime Industry; the European Green deal and other topics related to clean energy, resource efficiency and biodiversity
Click here to view the programmes below.
Memorandum for Political Parties
Further to the SMEs National Forum 2022 event and related publication (see above point), as part of the MEAGreen initiative, the MEA utilized the information, data, and best-practice experiences documented to derive concrete recommendations to the Political Parties with its “Pre-Election Memorandum” which was shared with political parties” and published in the media. The publication was intended to support the Islands’ sustainable transition and other ESG aspects including the circular economy, climate neutrality, clean energy, resource efficiency or biodiversity besides, ensuring sustainable skills development for tomorrow.
Webinars
MEA organised a number of Webinars
The Association ensured to use its online communication channels also for interactive engagement with its members with a special purpose of ensuring 2-way communication with business leaders and gain useful insight into their perceptions, views and concerns with matters relating to the circular economy and the challenges of decarbonisation. Over the course of the MEAGreen initiative, the MEA invited over 50 keynote speakers and experts of high repute to engage with its members though webinars and online conferences and events.
Working towards a just transition for a Greener Europe – FOR.U.M. and MEA held a virtual seminar on the EU’s Green Deal, on 15 September 2020. It was addressed by local and EU speakers from European Commission’s DG Environment, the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises (CEEP), the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the University of Malta and the Ministry for the Environment. Read more
Together with Europe Direct MEA also organised webinars addressing the “fit for 55 package”
Endorsements
Endorsement of the Environmental Charter
In February 2022, MEA, as part of the MEAGreen Initiative, was amongst the first Social Partners, who accepted to sign and endorse an Environmental Charter originated by “Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar”
“Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar” official website
Media
MEA’s main media channels
For the purposes of its MEAGreen initiative, the Association also made ample use of its online communication channels, in particular its website, social media and MEAIndex portal to consolidate the messages imparted and provide sign-posting links to related resources (such as funding incentives, courses etc) placed at the disposal of interested companies by the competent authorities. The MEA took this stance in view of its recognition of the importance of digital media as a prime communication channel for its members in the business community.
Besides all this MEA keeps continuous communication with all its members through the periodical electronic UPDATE publications.
Best Practices
Through the MEAGreen project, the SME Helpdesk within the MEA approached a number of entrepreneurs, whereby they were invited to share their best practices and experiences during their green business operational transition. These interviews were circulated among the business community via online media channels and through electronic mail.
BusinessMed
MEA participated in research study carried out by BusinessMED
The objective of this research was to follow-up on the structural macro-economic progress in the four participating countries (Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Malta) with regards to national and EU priorities vis-a-vis policies and legislation, financial support, research and education by academia, as well as private investments. A comparative analysis has been conducted and a number of recommendations were suggested, to be implemented by governments and the private sector, in order to ensure sustainable growth and employment in the energy sector.
- Education and R&D in Energy & Energy Technologies
- Industry Outlook: Final Regional Report, December 2021
- Fact Sheet #2 on Education and Research & Development on Energy Technologies, December 2021
- Periodical Survey: Analysis of New Energy Technologies and Sectors, December 2020
- Fact Sheet #1 on Education and Research & Development Energy Technologies, December 2020
Another research study on the Green Economy, in which the MEA is involved, is being carried out by another Thematic Committee as part of the EBSOMED project. This study will be focusing more on the Green Hydrogen and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, through the lens of sustainability, skills and green transition. BUSINESSEUROPE will be assisting the Committee, given their expertise in energy, climate and trade. The participating counties are Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Malta and Jordan.
SGI Europe
Affiliation with SGI Europe
Being a member of the SGI Europe, in the past year, the MEA, through the MEAGreen Initiative has participated in Consultation sessions and provided feedback on:
- Position Paper on the REPowerEU Initiative published on 8 March on the security of supply, energy efficiency, the roll-out of renewable energy sources and more decarbonisation by electrification and by hydrogen.
- Position Paper on address social and labour aspect of the JUST Transition towards climate neutrality published 5 November 2021 to provide recommendations on the Just Green Transition.
- European Social Partners’ Project on Circular Economy and the Work of Work, Final Report published 14 October 2021
EESC
MEA represented in the Employers’ Group within the EESC
Dolores Sammut Bonnici, MEA’s Senior Vice President, as a committee member of Employer’s (Group) group 1) at the EESC attended and participated in the following debates: Green Deal after Covid, Fit for 55 Package, Climate Change and the Environment, amongst others. This compliments MEA’s continuous involvement at European Level, in line with the MEAGreen initiative.
ILO & IOE
MEA’s International affiliations within the ILO & IOE organisations
Through the membership affiliation with both International Organisations and in line with MEA’s strong believes in Sustainable Environmental Economic Growth, MEA top officials actively participate within thematic groups, Conferences, Seminars and focus groups organised on yearly basis. The Discussion on the Just Transition to Green Economy was one of MEA’s last involvement through the MEAGreen initiative.
