Hilton Malta reduces carbon footprint by 800 tonnes a year

Hilton Malta has undertaken various energy-saving initiatives which have helped it lower its carbon footprint by as much as 800 tonnes a year.

These included switching from traditional light bulbs to CFL and LED technology, introducing a room management system which automatically shuts down power whenever the room is empty, and introducing a dimming lighting system with T5 fluorescent tubes in back-of-house areas.

This technology keeps the lights dimmed or off and only switches them on to full power when the sensors detect a presence nearby.

Additionally, Hilton Malta introduced localised and centralised Power Factor Correction Units with EU funding through the ERDF scheme, equipped its air-conditioning chillers with a Smartcool system, applied infra-red reducing film to large sun-facing windows to reduce the need for cooling, and drastically reduced its gas consumption by 20,000 litres a month by installing an innovative system where water is heated using waste heat from the chilling equipment.

When it comes to water production and use, Hilton Malta is also totally self-sufficient. Apart from harvesting rainwater for second-class use and treating all sewage, the hotel produces fresh water from two reverse osmosis units which operate at the highest efficiency available.

Water-saving devices have also been introduced in the guest rooms so as to reduce consumption by 20 per cent, and all freshwater pools are treated with an innovative chlorine-free product which allows all waste water to be used safely in irrigation.

The waste management system at Hilton Malta is a comprehensive one and has received a Hilton regional award as well as local awards for industry and waste management. Waste separation bins are available in every guest room and office. This ensures that all recyclable waste is processed appropriately via a contract with a local recycling service.

Hilton Malta’s certification in this department includes the EU eco-label since 2006, the local MTA Environmental Standard, and the Travelife Gold Standard by the FTO.

In addition, the hotel’s myriad events and activities include beach and seabed cleaning campaigns, the Tree-4U campaign, and organising environmental seminars for the children of staff.