Greece could implement a program modeled after Klimaaktiv and OekoBusiness Vienna to drive awareness and action in the SME sector.
- Program Features:
- Training sessions to educate SMEs about energy-saving technologies and practices.
- Monitoring tools to evaluate the success of interventions.
- Subsidized energy audits to lower entry barriers for smaller companies.
- Impact: Such initiatives in Austria have effectively fostered a culture of sustainability, demonstrating tangible energy savings and improved business operations.
The consulted stakeholder provided the following feedback during the Greek co-creation workshop:
Need for specialized training for energy auditors: Participants highlighted that low-quality energy audits are sometimes conducted. They recommended further training for energy auditors to ensure they meet the specific requirements of each industrial sector. This training should be coordinated with the government to improve audit quality and relevance.
Lack of data for decision-making: Beneficiary companies often lack critical data (e.g., energy consumption, equipment age, rated power), making it difficult to design effective interventions.
Need for studies and documentation: Participants emphasized the importance of conducting detailed studies, energy audits and equipment documentation to identify optimal investments with the best cost/benefit ratio. These studies are also prerequisites for tendering under Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs).
Over-dimensioning of equipment: A key issue identified was the over-sizing of production equipment (including motors), leading to unnecessary energy consumption (30–50%). Monitoring tools are needed to address this inefficiency.
Financial support for audits: Participants suggested that financial tools (e.g., subsidies, funding programs) should prioritize covering the costs of energy audits and studies. This would help SMEs, such as Municipal Water and Sewerage Companies, overcome barriers to entry.
Legal and funding challenges: Smaller companies, including Municipal Water and Sewerage Companies, face difficulties accessing funding programs due to their legal status. Subsidized audits could mitigate this by reducing upfront costs.
Role of Energy Efficiency Obligation Schemes: Obligated entities (e.g., energy suppliers) could fund energy-saving studies for SMEs under these schemes, indirectly subsidizing audits.
Program modifications: The Hellenic Development Bank’s Digital Upgrade program was revised to include energy efficiency criteria for subsidized equipment, reflecting a step toward supporting audits and energy-saving investments.
