A Net Zero Economy The Role of Meaningful Leadership through Social Dialogue – Part 5

DAVID XUEREB

In recent years, the urgency to combat climate change has led to a global prioritisation towards sustainable practices. The building industry and real estate, known for their significant carbon footprint, is a crucial sector where transformative action is required. In Malta, the pursuit of a climate neutral economy by 2050 must drive an urgent transition in the building industry and this can be led by meaningful leadership through social dialogue. By fostering collaboration among social partners, industry players, regulators, and policymakers, Malta can achieve meaningful transformation towards this compelling objective.

Social dialogue serves as a platform for open and inclusive discussions among all stakeholders. By encouraging dialogue and collaboration, decision-making processes can become more inclusive, holistic and representative of diverse perspectives. In the context of Malta's building industry, social dialogue enables the exchange of shortcomings, knowledge, experiences, best-practices and innovative ideas necessary for such a transition.

Achieving a net-zero carbon economy requires collective efforts from all stakeholders involved. Social partners, including trade unions, employer organizations, civil society and Gozo, through the Malta Council for Social and Economic Development (MCESD) can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability practices within the building industry. Through collaboration, they can expect and encourage the adoption of energy-efficient construction methods, promote sustainable building materials, promote circularity of resource use and support the development of green skills together with the upskilling and reskilling training programs for the workforce.

Industry players, such as construction companies, architects, and engineers, have the expertise and resources to drive meaningful change and be a true force for good. By embracing sustainable practices, these players can contribute to reducing carbon emissions throughout the development design, implementation and lifecycle. Collaboration among industry professionals is key and will foster much needed innovation, leading to the development and implementation of green technologies, renewable energy integration, and the adoption of meaningful and valuable green building certifications.

Effective regulation and policy frameworks are vital to steer the building industry towards sustainability. Regulators and policy makers in Malta must enact efficient legislation and incentives that support an effective transition to a net-zero carbon economy. By collaborating with social partners and industry players, they can develop robust and acceptable standards for energy-efficient buildings, incentivize the reduction of use of energy and resources, and establish strong financial instruments to motivate stronger sustainable development initiatives.

Malta's journey towards a net-zero carbon economy in the building industry requires leadership in social dialogue and collaboration among social partners, industry players, regulators, and policymakers. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of these stakeholders, Malta can achieve a meaningful transformation towards sustainability. This collaborative approach will drive innovation, foster the adoption of sustainable practices, and pave the way for a greener, bankable, more valuable and respectful future in Malta's building industry.