New environment initiative launched at Consumer and Competition Division

By conducting environmental reviews of its current operations and services and by taking tangible action, the Consumer and Competition Division (CCD) within the Ministry for Communications and Competitiveness, wants to lead by example.

Marcelle Galea, Joseph Callus, Cecilia Testa, Joanne Hillman and George Pace were involved in the launching of the new environmental initiatives.

It is not enough to teach consumers about their environmental responsibilities and promote 'green consumerism' if, on the other hand, the organisation in itself does not pursue a stringent policy to that effect.

It is for this purpose that, this year, a green initiative working group was set up within the division. The group aims to instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment in its employees by reducing waste, conserving energy and promoting recycling - in a nutshell, that of providing a greener, more efficient and sustainable service.

This initiative was officially launched on July 12 not only to acknowledge the level of commitment among employees of the CCD, but also to ensure that all the employees, whatever their role, become aware that they are part of these initiatives.

A certificate was awarded to Jean Pierre Fava, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., whose design was chosen to serve as the CCD environmental logo, following an internal competition.

The programme of initiatives that was launched is perceived by most as being a vital element of CCD's corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a stride towards better and more responsible governance. The impetus is, in fact, on reducing waste and misuse of resources.

The CCD green initiative working group will be monitoring the progress of all the initiatives and reporting its progress to all the employees through ad hoc internal bulletins and environmental reports.

Marcel Pizzuto, permanent secretary, and Dr Mireille Vella, director general, were present for the occasion. They commended all those involved and urged all employees to co-operate in a spirit of partnership and friendship, so that the CCD will continue to ensure a better quality of life both for its employees and consumers at large.

After the event, the group presented employees with cardboard boxes for the depositing of paper and envelopes they deem appropriate to reuse, note-books made from reusable paper collected from employees and reusable envelopes. These items were stamped with the green initiative logo which the Division adopted.