• Drop of 63 tonnes of CO2 emissions as part efforts to reduce carbon footprint
• The Malta Airport Foundation has so far committed nearly €500,000 to projects aimed at enhancing Malta’s tourism offering

In 2017, Malta International Airport registered a drop of 63 tonnes of CO2 resulting from electricity consumption, following a hefty investment in photovoltaic panels, the installation of more energy-efficient lifts and increased use of LED lighting. The airport’s photovoltaic system generated over 630,000 kWh of energy in 2017, which is roughly equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of 329 people in Malta.

This emerged from the company’s recently published sustainability report adhering to the Global Reporting Initiative standards. In compiling this annual report, Malta Airport presents its economic, environmental and social impacts and how it manages them, with a focus on those that are material to the airport’s main stakeholders and the local tourism industry.

“Last year, we were responsible for ensuring that an unprecedented number of passengers enjoyed a safe and pleasant airport experience, in line with our commitment to delivering an excellent service. Being equally committed to managing and minimising our impact on our environment, we strived to absorb the emissions resulting from this increased activity through mitigating measures implemented during the year,” said Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.

The report, in fact, reveals that the company’s Greenhouse Gas emissions intensity, which is one of the recognised metrics it uses to monitor emissions, stood at 1.02 kg of CO2/passenger, translating into a 16.2 per cent drop over 2016.

Mr Borg went on to note that Malta Airport does not only work towards being a more responsible company by being mindful of its environmental impacts, but also by seeking to contribute to the local economy and striving to be a good neighbour and employer.

Malta International Airport’s social efforts for 2017 centred heavily on its workforce, with employees benefitting from a number of wellbeing initiatives aimed at helping them strike a good work-life balance and over 6,000 hours of training. In addition to this, 13 students were given the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience by carrying out placements and internships with the company.

Throughout the year, the company also supported external organisations and initiatives having the wellbeing of society at the core of their mission through community investments amounting to more than €113,000. The Malta Airport Foundation, on the other hand, focused on investing in projects aimed at enriching Malta’s tourism offering, such as the restoration of Torri Xutu and the Combined Operations Room in Valletta, as well as a documentary about Comino which will be launched later this year. The independent foundation has so far committed nearly €500,000 to such projects.

The full report, available here, segments the company’s initiatives and results for 2017 according to five of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, demonstrating how Malta Airport’s efforts are aligned to a global movement.