NEWS | Wednesday, 01 August 2007

BOV and HSBC sponsor Green Energy generation at Palazzo Falson

Palazzo Falson, the newly refurbished to high standard museum has been equipped with a photovoltaic system. The system comprises Alwitra Solar Roofing Membrane, manufacturer of the world’s most advanced single-ply roofing system. It has been jointly sponsored by Bank of Valletta and HSBC Cares For Malta’s Heritage Fund. This is the first Building-Integrated PV-System (BIPV) in Malta and was installed by a group of British, German and Maltese experts in the field who have trained its local network of installers during the project.
Maurice Degiorgio, President of the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, gave details about the new green energy generating capability at Palazzo Falson during a visit by Roderick Chalmers, Chairman of Bank of Valletta and Shaun Wallis, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Malta.
“Evalon®-Solar is the lowest priced photovoltaic-integrated single-ply membrane system (capable of generating electricity for direct use or the national grid). The system can offer significant savings when compared to similar power generating roof systems. This major price breakthrough comes as a result of ingeniously combining a photovoltaic system and waterproofing membrane in one product. It brings the chance for building owners to generate their own electricity and help avert the national energy crisis,” explained Maurice Degiorgio.
Both Roderick Chalmers and Shaun Wallis congratulated the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti on taking such an environmentally friendly initiative and on deciding to install a photovoltaic system to generate green energy at Palazzo Falson. They also exchanged comments of appreciation for having the two main banks in Malta working together to support such an innovative and beneficial initiative.
“Caring for the environment is an important element of corporate social responsibility and we are delighted to support the efforts of the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti in this direction which are also aligned to our business philosophy,” said Roderick Chalmers.
Shaun Wallis said: “HSBC is pleased to help Malta’s environment and its heritage and both at the same, and together with another leading corporate sponsor. Together we can all make a difference.”
Maurice Degiorgio thanked the two banks for accepting to support this project. “It gives us great satisfaction that today, just a few months after opening Palazzo Falson to the public, we are launching this environment friendly energy system which should contribute towards the long term sustainability of running this important heritage landmark,” he concluded.