The EU project EcoSMEnergy helps SMEs to reduce energy consumption and follows on from the Life projects EnergyEfficiency4SMEs and EnergyEfficiency4HORECA, in which the EIW is also a partner. The project is aimed at SMEs in key sectors such as the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, plastics manufacturing, metal processing, electrical and electronics industry, mechanical engineering and the automotive industry.
Period: November 2024 to October 2027
Project Partner: EUROCHAMBRES
Challenges in implementing more energy efficiency in SMEs include a lack of information and motivation, as well as difficult access to financial resources. The participating companies receive assistance in implementing energy management systems (EnMS), and the Impawatt platform, an online tool that companies can use to improve their energy performance, is also being expanded. As part of the project, the companies are given access to energy audits, workshops and information to help them make decisions with regard to energy savings and climate targets.
An important goal is synergies at European level with various players - from financial institutions to initiatives such as energy communities. The concrete results will be investments in sustainable energy that lead to primary and final energy savings, an expansion of renewable energy sources and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. For the participating SMEs, this means concrete cost reductions (and thus increased competitiveness), environmental sustainability and an active contribution to the EU's energy efficiency goals and measures in the sense of those EU directives that focus on energy efficiency and the promotion of clean energy conversions.
EcoSMEnergy not only aims to achieve direct cost reductions and environmental sustainability in SMEs. It also aims to raise the profile of companies as key players in the realisation of the European Union's ambitious energy efficiency targets.