GEAR@SME

The GEAR@SME handbook is designed to be helpful to any organization reaching out to support SMEs in their energy efficiency work. In the handbook, the relevant target groups are described as Trusted Partners, Multiplier Organizations and Energy Service Suppliers. In the long run, this approach aims at benefitting both SMEs and society. 

The GEAR@SME research- and innovation project runs from September 2020 until February 2023. During this period, the project and the consortium partners play important roles in supporting the development and operation of local energy collectives linked to this project.

SMEs can benefit from energy efficiency actions but have limited time and resources to implement them. The GEAR@SME project is aiming at a collective approach where SMEs, typically located near to each other, for example in the same industrial area or business park, are supported to become more energy efficient and sustainable. Using the handbook, stakeholders will be guided through the process of, e.g., supporting SMEs in their energy efficiency work, developing a collective approach and following up on results. 

This handbook describes the common methodology developed within the GEAR@SME project from the principles of activating (motivating SMEs to take action to increase energy efficiency), organizing (creating networks and opportunities for common action), enabling (providing knowledge, support and tools) and embedding (acting within existing structures to maximize the efficiency).

For the methodology throughout the handbook, the following key concepts are considered:

• A collective approach – a cluster of SMEs are offered the same coordinated services and activities and supported to exchange experience and increase networking;
• A local SME energy collective – the local cluster of SMEs, e.g. a business park or industrial area, that together with its Trusted Partner address energy efficiency collectively;
• The Trusted Partner – a neutral actor, trusted by the SMEs, that drives the development of the energy collective and supports the SMEs in tasks related to energy efficiency;
• Energy Service Suppliers – energy consultants, ESCOs, grid operators and technology suppliers, that provide energy expertise and services for the local SME energy collective;
• Multiplier Organizations – generally non-profit organizations with a large potential to support and reach SMEs on the regional or national level, who play an important role in establishment and scale-up of local SME energy collectives.
• The ‘Energy Efficient SME’ portal – an online portal dedicated to the project, which will provide. support material, and tools linked to the methodology.

The handbook is developed based on literature and experiences from successful energy efficiency initiatives in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden. It is created by the Netherlands organisation for applied scientific research, Swedish CIT Industriell Energi AB, CERTIMAC SOC. CONS. A R. L. and CNA of Ravenna Italy, the Berliner Energieagentur Germany, and Servelect Romania. The Handbook will also be released in February 2022 on the ‘Energy Efficient SME portal, developed by SYNYO GMBH.

Links

https://www.gearatsme.eu/handbook-for-an-integrated-gearsme-methodology/

Keywords

energy efficiency, SME, energy collectives