GEAR@SME

In the quest for a greener future, the GEAR@SME project has been a beacon of innovation and collaboration, focusing on unlocking the energy-saving potential within Europe’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Two pivotal webinars encapsulated the essence of this initiative, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to various stakeholders.

Webinar 1: Tools and Trainings for Energy Efficiency

Held on February 22, 2023, this webinar delved into the arsenal of tools and trainings developed under the GEAR@SME project. The session addressed critical questions: What considerations are essential for energy-saving tools to be truly effective? How can these resources be target-oriented to meet the specific needs of SMEs?

Experts presented case studies and shared their experiences, highlighting the direct application of these tools in diverse scenarios. The webinar served as a platform for exchanging recommendations and best practices, targeting a broad audience including sister projects, EU associations, policy makers, and academia.

Webinar 2: Collective Approach to Energy Savings

The second webinar, conducted on February 18, 2023, explored the project’s innovative methodology, which rests on three pillars: a collective approach, cooperation with local ‘Trusted Partners,’ and a focus on multiple benefits. This approach was tested and applied in clusters of SMEs across the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Romania.

Participants examined the success of these strategies and discussed what SMEs require to effectively save energy in today’s context. Operators from the use cases shared their on-site experiences, addressing the unique local conditions, opportunities, and challenges they faced.

Both webinars underscored the importance of collective action and the role of trusted partnerships in achieving energy efficiency. They provided valuable lessons for those working with SMEs, emphasizing that support and collaboration are key to empowering businesses to embrace energy-saving measures.

The GEAR@SME project, through these webinars, has not only facilitated the sharing of experiences and strategies but has also reinforced the commitment to supporting SMEs in their journey towards sustainability. As Europe moves forward, the insights gained from these discussions will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a more energy-conscious and environmentally responsible SME sector.

Links to the Webinars’ slides: https://www.gearatsme.eu/tools-and-trainings-to-help-smes-save-energy-experiences-from-gearsme/, https://www.gearatsme.eu/supporting-smes-in-a-collective-to-save-energy-experiences-from-gearsme/

Keywords

energy efficiency, SME, energy collectives, trusted partners, cases