The outer walls of the Fort Cambridge project will be insulated using special materials in an effort to decrease heat loss, save on energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the properties will be built using a pre-cast double wall system and high quality frames with double glazing for the apertures.

This was announced by Fort Cambridge chairman George Muscat during the award of the tender for external and internal finishes to Mediterranean Building Finishes Ltd.

Mr Muscat said the investment in eco-friendly materials "forms part of our commitment towards ensuring that all properties are energy-saving buildings. In planning out Fort Cambridge we have given energy conservation and green polices considerable importance because we believe this will give all tenants added value."

Other energy-saving initiatives include a water-cooled air-conditioning system, which will lead to significant energy savings by property owners, as well as the construction of a reservoir underneath the properties that will accumulate water from roofs and terraces to irrigate the surrounding gardens.

The tender awarded to Mediterranean Building Finishes Ltd includes the internal plastering and painting, the external rendering of the façade using the high end Italian Fassa Bartolo products, as well as the scaffolding.

In respect of the scaffolding, the tender stipulates that the blocks on which works are ongoing have to be totally covered even up to the 20th floor. Such a condition is a first for Malta and has been included to minimise inconveniences to the neighbourhood.

Works on the shell structure of the ground floor apartments is now well underway and is expected to be completed by the end of July. Once this is complete, other trades are to move in, thus further increasing the number of workers on site. These will mainly consist of plumbers, electricians and plasterers.