https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77218 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:34:21 GMT 2026-04-15T12:34:21Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78392 Title: A reward programme for waste separation and reduction in Malta Abstract: This research focuses on the possibility of introducing a reward programme to increase the separation of dry recyclable domestic waste from municipal waste. Malta, like all other EU Member States, is bound by the Waste Framework Directive to recycle 50% of its paper, metal, glass and plastic in municipal waste by 2020. A detailed assessment was made to identify potential incentives to increase waste separation for Malta so as to reach the 2020 target. Both the Maltese households and the local stake holders in the recyclable waste sector were involved in the collection of data, its assessment and its feedback on the final selection of a suitable reward programme for the Maltese islands. The research confirmed that even within a small cohesive community the differences between recycling attitudes differ considerably and that the best incentive is selected with the feedback of the community and stakeholders alike understanding what impedes communities to recycle and what incentivises them. Description: M.SC.SUS.INFRASTRUCTURE Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78392 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78390 Title: Social factors influencing perceptions and acceptance of a waste-to-energy facility in Malta for the treatment of residual waste Abstract: Waste management can be seen as a technical, environmental social and economic challenge to any country. All countries are striving to implement an efficient waste management system with high recycling rates, low negative environmental impacts, at affordable rates, without ongoing risk of controversies, wrong decisions and false investments. Malta has been investing in new infrastructure prior to 2004. However after two major investments with 2 digestion plants for the treatment of all municipal waste, a solution for the treatment of their residual waste needs to be identified, preferably including the recovery of heat and electricity. If Malta is to invest in such a Thermal Treatment P1ant, the Maltese citizens need to be informed and provided with all the information possible so that they can take informative decisions. From the data collected using a self-completion questionnaire, the respondents are trying to do their part in minimising the waste generated and in separating their waste for recycling purposes. There is knowledge about waste management in terms of waste separation for recycling. On the o:her hand, knowledge about waste-to-energy may lack. People may have some expectations like receiving the true information from developer. Respondents have shown that they are not satisfied with the current waste management system. There are three aspects that could affect people's perceptions on waste management, these being social capita., environmental literacy and 'theory of planned behaviour'. Each of these aspects was analysed from the data received. The European Union has introduced recovery targets for recyclable materials and also landfill targets to reduce organic waste from being disposed of the landfill. Waste-to-Energy may become a must in the near future. Description: M.SC.SUS.INFRASTRUCTURE Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78390 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78373 Title: A projection for sustainable development of the aviation sector in Malta 2020-2050 Abstract: Aviation has been a significant contributor to society at large and to the economy of the Maltese Islands, by promoting tourism and enabling connectivity with the rest of the world. Significant investments in infrastructure in the 1970's and 1990's have facilitated growth of the aviation sector, such that it is only recently that the airport is operating at close to its full capacity. The expected continued growth poses increasing pressures on the existing infrastructure, exacerbating adverse social and environmental impacts. Against this background, this study performs a sustainability appraisal of aviation activity in Malta, with special emphasis on the infrastructural requirements of the sector. First, an adaptation of the Delphi technique is performed through interviews with industry experts from different stakeholder groups in Malta. Together with a review of existing literature, this enables the establishment of the baseline conditions, on which sustainability issues are then defined. In addition, aviation demand forecasts are performed as a means of contextualising sustainability issues and to inform strategic objectives. The strategic objectives are benchmarked against sustainability objectives based on the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NCSD, 2006}. At this stage, sustainable alternatives are developed through an iterative process with stakeholders wriere feedback is incorporated into the design process. The study concludes with a detailed evaluation of the proposed alternatives which includes graphical representations with the aid of a GIS package, and a discussion on the implications of each alternative. Description: M.SC.SUS.INFRASTRUCTURE Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78373 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78351 Title: Sustainable enforcement - proactive or reactive : perception, theory and practice Abstract: Enforcement Control tends to be complex in nature and arguably it tends to be unpopular with the public. This comes as no surprise as no one likes being 'forced' to remove something which one would have developed in his own private property and for his real and perceived personal needs. On the other hand, in a society where political and administrative decision making is subject to the rule of law, one would expect the serving of an Enforcement Notice for an alleged illegality to be followed up by the execution of both the Stop and the Enforcement obligations under the Law. Enforcement is intrinsically part of the overall planning process and a crucial link in the overall chain of events that leads to the realization of approved developments. Planning is not straightforward and liable to stir conflicts over attitudes and values which permeate all aspects of the practice of spatial planning. Spatial planning is a complex activity which is difficult to understand and to execute, mainly because of conflicting aspirations regarding the manner in which space should be organized. Nonetheless, Enforcement can play a crucial role in the attainment of a proactive approach to planning control, within the overall scope of reaching the sustainable goals and objectives as embedded in planning laws, development plans and policies. Description: M.SC.SUS.INFRASTRUCTURE Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78351 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z