Business briefs

HSBC's Canary Wharf HQ invests in solar power

HSBC's Canary Wharf office tower is the tallest corporate headquarters building in Europe to feature solar panels. Covering 617 square metres of the roof of the building, it is also the largest installation of photovoltaic panels on a corporate office in London. HSBC's energy-saving measure illustrates the bank's latest commitment to reducing its impact on the environment since it became carbon-neutral in 2005.

At 213 metres high, building engineers developed fixing techniques for the 422 solar panels to withstand wind speeds of up to 140 mph. The panels - manufactured by Sharp Solar in the UK - will generate approximately 1,550,000 kilowatt hours of green electricity over the building's lease - enough energy to power 20 average UK homes per year. Since 2004 HSBC has decreased its energy consumption at the headquarters office building by seven per cent, or 20 per cent per full-time employee ‒ a significant reduction for a corporate building of its size.

These energy-efficient initiatives are part of the bank's $90 million global environmental efficiency programme, launched last year, to introduce renewable energy technology, water and waste reduction programmes and employee participation across its 10,000 offices around the world.

Sally Robson, HSBC Malta's chief operating officer, said: "As part of the HSBC global environmental efficiency programme, HSBC Malta has just commissioned a pilot project with a photovoltaic system at its new branch in Attard to reduce its carbon footprint.

"The system, being the largest of its kind in Malta, is expected to improve energy efficiency by 20 to 30 per cent. HSBC Malta is also working with its staff and in the community to both minimise and compensate the environmental impact."

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Frank Salt's new overseas division manager

Frank Salt Real Estate Group recently expanded its management team through the appointment of a new manager: Melanie Micallef as the overseas division manager.

Ms Micallef joined Frank Salt Real Estate in 1999 as a secretary at the Balzan branch. She eventually took on the role of personal assistant to company director Douglas Salt in 2004. She holds a diploma in management from the University of Malta. Her new role will entail liaising with foreign enquiries that the company receives mainly through the website and overseas advertising.

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Award for excellence

The Maltese company Blue Marble Travel Services Ltd, incoming shore excursion operators based in Malta, Libya and Tunisia, received an award as one of the International Top Ten Operators 2007 for excellence in service by ResidenSea - operator of The World.

The World is a 644-foot, 12-deck ship offering an elegant and intimate travel lifestyle with impeccable service and amenities that deliver a personalised service. It is the only residential community at sea which allows its residents and guests to travel the world without leaving the comforts of a private home.

The Top Ten awards honour the expert support The World receives during its continuous global itinerary. Blue Marble Travel Services Ltd was selected for its operations in Tunisia, together with companies based in Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Madeira, Poland, Russia, Spain and the UK. They were selected out of the hundreds of operators and agents who annually ensure the vessel's port visits are unique, safe and enjoyable for all residents and guests. The selection is based on the smooth and seamless operation and the excellent service provided in a truly professional manner which made a success of The World's visits.