Increasing energy efficiency in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), through the adoption of energy saving measures, is at the heart of EU policies to achieve climate neutrality, to address the energy crisis, but also to stimulate the market by creating new jobs. Despite the relatively small size of SMEs, cumulatively it is estimated that on the one hand they constitute the “backbone” of the European economy, but at the same time they are responsible for almost 13% of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.

What is required, therefore, for the EU is to support the more than 25 million SMEs in order to achieve up to 30% energy savings by drawing up specific policies through which immediate environmental benefits will be captured while, at the same time, they will give a new development impetus to the market.

As far as our country is concerned, based on the official data, what is requested for SMEs in the specific sector is better information and access to information, specialized human resources that will contribute in this direction, but also access to resources for implementation of the projects in question, which, it should be noted, have recorded significant acceptance by the citizens in the context of “Save”, “Change Device” and other similar programs that preceded the “Save – Business” program, which is expected to run in the next space.

Based on the conclusions of the LEAP4SME program, whose partner from the Greek side was the Center for Renewable Energy Sources (KAPE) and which were presented a few days ago in Brussels, the problems and challenges that must be addressed immediately have to do with informing the SMEs in relation to the investment possibilities offered by the EU, but also their support in finding specialized and personalized savings solutions.

“In the Greek market, information on energy efficiency is not at a bad point, however a more holistic approach to the issue is required. Greater effort is needed in the sustainable management of resources, in all areas of production, as well as in terms of cycle management life of the products produced, in order to meet the needs of the green policy of each company”.

This was stated by Dr. representing KOPE. Charalambos Malamatenios, director of Energy Policy and Planning, participating in the conclusions panel at the European Parliament building.

Speaking about the issue of financing, he emphasized that: “Beyond government or European provisions, banks must be convinced that in order to promote this kind of policy for SMEs, they must be supportive of SMEs, so that they give access to financing to this crucial sector of the real economy”. In addition: “A big challenge for the countries of Southern Europe is the sustainable management of water resources, but also the efficient use of raw materials”, said Mr. Malamatenios.

Speaking to APE-MPE, the director of KOPE Lambros Pyrgiotis emphasized: “The rational use of materials, equipment, processes, systems and, of course, energy resources, is the most reliable way to limit costs and protect the climate”.

“Energy audits, which can identify opportunities for immediate savings and long-term efficiency improvements, have been recognized as a key tool in fulfilling the above principle.

According to the International Energy Agency, energy audits can save up to 18% of total energy consumption. However, while these are mandatory for large companies, for SMEs, which often lack the technical and financial capacity to carry out such checks, they are simply recommended.”

According to Mr. Pyrgiotis: “In this light, KOPE seeks and proposes a new method of calculating energy audits for businesses, taking into account the non-energy benefits (NEBs) of the energy interventions proposed to them, thus accelerating their adoption.

Non-energy benefits refer to various areas and include, among others, health, environment, economy, safety, etc. At the same time, it will provide the necessary skills and tools to the technical staff of SMEs, to improve their communication with the entrepreneur, translating the technical terms into the “language of money”.

As it was underlined at the conference organized in Brussels, in the context of the discussion of the review of the relevant European Directive on the energy saving of SMEs, it is the consolidation of the conditions for the formulation of a framework of energy saving measures, in combination with the establishment of rules for energy inspections. Measures that can lead to a very significant reduction in energy costs by limiting the total operating costs of a company, while significantly strengthening its financial stability, its competitiveness, its reputation, and its position in the market.

In addition, the participants of the conference pointed out the need to simplify procedures and fight bureaucracy, emphasizing at the same time technical support, a field in which the Chambers can continue to “play”, as they said.

As it was emphasized, an important factor for speeding up the procedures is the categorization of SMEs in order to have a more targeted direction of the required funds, as well as inspections, in the context of the programs, as well as unhindered access to financing for the implementation of the projects.

Finally, an important factor for the implementation of the projects is human resources, as there is still a shortage of energy consultants at a pan-European level, although in our country engineers have played an important role in covering this specific gap in the context of the implementation of savings programs.

Source: RES – MEB