Green walls and sustainability goals – Joseph Attard, CEO, INDIS

The main vision of INDIS is to support investment through the continuous development and management of qualitative and sustainable industrial property solutions. INDIS CEO Joseph Attard takes us through the milestones that the largest operator of industrial parks in Malta and Gozo has reached during the past few years… and what is yet to come.

BY CORYSE BORG

INDIS manages over three million sq. metres of industrial space and is home to over 900 tenants in 16 main industrial estates. In keeping with its vision, INDIS launched a number of projects in 2020, and works have started on a sizeable number of these.

To name but a few, the Artisan Village in Ta’ Qali is being upgraded with Incubation and Interpretation Centres to make space for more local artisans and keep Malta’s rich heritage alive. Additionally, new roads in various areas, such as the Hal Far Industrial Estate, have been constructed to cater to new industries, and a new factory in the Mrieħel Industrial Estate has also been built. In addition, various substations have been constructed and upgraded, futureproofed for the coming decade, as well as a fire hydrant system in Bulebel.

“This is only a small fraction of the long list of projects we currently have going on, and we have a lot more in the pipeline for the coming three years,” Mr Attard explains, “In reality, the list of projects never ends. One large project is an SME Park in Hal Far - an investment which will create over 40 units for small and medium businesses and the light industry. The need for such a space is evident from the large number of applications we received following the project announcement. In fact, we will also be working on other SME Parks around Malta.”

Furthermore, the Luqa Industrial Estate is receiving a €5.5 million regeneration, including the upgrading of the road network, services, embellishment, and new infrastructure when required. Other notable projects in the pipeline include the creation of public open spaces in Mrieħel and Bulebel, as well as a trailer park. More developments of new plots and roads are also a priority, Mr Attard adds.

Businesses are increasingly turning to Corporate Social Responsibility to make a difference. Has INDIS been incorporating CSR into its operations?

“At INDIS, we are very aware of the importance of CSR,” he stresses, “Not only does it increase a positive brand image, but it gives companies a chance to do something for the community, outside of their rigid company work. Two of our past projects were a refurbishment of a war shelter in Mellieħa, and a restoration of a historic cross in Żejtun. This was something that aligned very well with our vision as a company since we greatly appreciate Malta’s culture and history.”

In the coming years, as part of their CSR, they will be working on new recreational areas in Dingli and Siġġiewi and regenerating another one in Qormi. These projects are a way to give back to our community and contribute to our sustainability goals, Mr Attard states.

Being environmentally friendly and finding sustainable industrial solutions is also integrated into INDIS’ main vision as a company.

“We aim to achieve this vision through a number of ways,” Mr Attard asserts, “One is by clustering and going vertical; this means to have multi-level facilities, thus increasing the efficiency in the use of space. Another way is by addressing long-term sustainability, by taking into consideration the environment and our communities, as well as futureproofing properties. In the coming weeks we’ll be announcing details on a new scheme that allows tenants to use their roof to install photovoltaic (PV) panels.”

Indeed, INDIS has been setting up green walls – vertical structures covered by vegetation – in or around some of their industrial sites, to make these areas more attractive.

The 2022 Budget had announced that the government would be investing €470 million, over an eight-year period, for the modernisation of various industrial areas, as well as the creation of new ones, due to new investment that Malta has been attracting.

“Undoubtedly, the 2023 Budget will give this investment the necessary focus it requires, to boost industry and the economy as a whole,” Mr Attard says, “We strongly believe that for the industrial business to thrive, there needs to be long-term goals with sustainability and digitalisation in mind, and more funding opportunities for sustainability investments, in the face of the ongoing energy crisis. Things are already moving in the right direction, with Finance Minister Clyde Caruana pledging a €608 million war chest to combat price shocks in energy and food for 2023… yet more incentives to increase energy efficiency are needed.” n

“We strongly believe that for the industrial business to thrive, there needs to be long-term goals with sustainability and digitalisation in mind, and more funding opportunities for sustainability investments, in the face of the ongoing energy crisis.”