The Planning Authority has extended the “Green Your Building” grant, by a further month. The green initiative seeks to alleviate urbanisation’s adverse environmental impacts and create healthier “green” places to live in.
Fully financed
The scheme is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning is providing 100% finance to private property owners who wish to introduce green facades or walls within their residence. The scheme also covers the green retrofitting of front gardens.
Martin Saliba Chairperson of the PA’s Executive Council paid tribute to the response the scheme got. “We are very encouraged by the response we received over these past weeks from residents interested to benefit from this scheme and introduce green infrastructure within their private properties”.
Creating awareness
With over 90 submissions equating to nearly €750,000, it’s a great response to a relatively new concept to our islands. The €2 million grant scheme promises to refund 100% of the eligible works including all costs associated with labour works, material, hire of equipment, a 5-year maintenance plan and professional & consultancy fees.
For the introduction of a green wall (including panels, plants and irrigation system within the front garden, including hardware, timers, fertigation etc.) there is a capping of €500/m2, while for green facades, this will be capped at €250/m2 for the groundwork and €35/m2 for the provision of a trellis.
The retrofitting of front gardens will be capped at €500/m2. If the front garden is located above a basement, the capping will increase to €600/m2. The overall funding will be capped up to a maximum of €10,000 per property.
The reimbursement of costs will occur over 5 years, with 60% on completion of works and the remaining after the 1st, 3rd and 5th year after completion.
The funds for this scheme are being made available by the Authority from the fees it generates from the regularisation process application. The regularisation process application provides property owners with the opportunity to regularise existing non-conformant developments located entirely within the development boundaries.
Contact info
The scheme will now close on Friday 7th May 2021. The Authority has also published a guidance document to assist interested parties on issues related to what considerations to keep in mind before deciding which green infrastructure to introduce, what choice of living plants can be used and their upkeeping.
Private residences which fall within the development zone but are scheduled or within Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) or villa/bungalow sites within Residential Priority Areas are not eligible. Properties including apartment blocks and penthouses that are eligible for funding must have balconies overlooking a public street or space.
For further information related to the ‘Green Your Building’ grant scheme either call 2290 1544 or send an email on the address: greenyourbuilding@pa.org.mt. Terms and conditions may be downloaded from the PA’s website www.pa.org.mt.
