Investing in Green Technologies with Victor Zammit, Business Development Manager, SENS Innovation Company Limited

Can you please provide us with more details about the purpose of this Company referred to in short as SENS?

SENS specialises in providing energy management solutions, particularly tailored for the hospitality and commercial sectors. We take pride in our in-house design of controllers and sensors, granting us complete ownership of our sustainability solutions. Moreover, our meticulous manufacturing process, carried out by local third parties, ensures superior quality control. Our primary clientele comprises hotels and commercial establishments. Hotels, in particular, benefit from our solutions due to the transient nature of guest stays, often leading to energy wastage. With our sensors, we efficiently manage energy consumption by detecting guest presence in rooms and adjusting lighting and air conditioning accordingly. Additionally, sensors on balcony doors and windows prevent unnecessary energy loss when guests leave them open.

How does SENS affect the commercial side?

SENS applies the same principles to commercial spaces. For instance, in meeting rooms with sporadic usage patterns, our sensors detect periods of inactivity and regulate air conditioning and lighting accordingly. Furthermore, we offer comprehensive building management systems, overseeing various equipment such as air-handling units and water pumps. By leveraging SENS technology, businesses can optimize electricity usage, thereby reducing waste.

When did GO acquire SENS?

GO acquired a 76% share in March 2022, although SENS has been operational since 1996, established by Engineer Michael Bonello. Our client base spans across 13 countries globally, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainability solutions in the hospitality sector.

What is the structure of SENS like?

SENS operates as a lean organisation, utilising its engineering prowess to develop customised solutions. With a dedicated research and development team, we continuously innovate our products to meet evolving client needs, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.

How will SENS affect GO’s operations?

As a frontrunner in sustainability, GO is integrating SENS systems into its new headquarters in Zejtun, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

In terms of sustainable technologies, how do financial considerations balance with environmental considerations?

While sustainable operations are increasingly sought after, finding solutions that strike a balance between cost and environmental benefits remains challenging. However, our systems typically offer short payback periods due to significant cost savings from waste reduction, thus bridging this gap effectively.

How have customers’ demands changed, and how have these affected the business strategy?

Customer demands have evolved significantly, driven by increased awareness of environmental impact and regulatory requirements. At SENS, we’ve always prioritized waste reduction, starting with energy metering to identify optimisation opportunities.

What challenges have you faced, and what challenges do you foresee in the future?

Balancing sustainability with operational costs remains a perpetual challenge. However, SENS excels in addressing this by providing comprehensive energy consumption insights and optimizing operations without compromising guest or employee experience. Looking ahead, we anticipate an uptick in businesses recognizing the benefits of sustainability, offering SENS ample opportunities to support them in achieving their goals cost-effectively. Ultimately, our aim is to empower companies in their journey towards sustainability.

Our GO Green Initiative

At GO plc, we’re not just a telecommunications company, we’re a group of people who connect people all over Malta and Gozo. We strive to maintain this connectivity, not just digitally, but also physically. It’s important that we take care of our physical environment so that future generations can also enjoy the same connectivity. That’s why we’ve set up GO Green, an extension of GO primarily focusing on helping sustain and improve the environment whenever possible.

This blog post was written by Benjamin Thomas Scerri – Sustainability Associate, GO Green.

Benjamin is a member of the GO Green team. His main focus is keeping track of new ways in which to make GO more sustainable wherever and whenever possible.