GUIDE: Building SME Energy Productivity

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Nicole Harper

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2032 Last modified by the author on 19/04/2017 - 10:37
GUIDE: Building SME Energy Productivity

On their own, SMEs don’t consume huge amounts of energy. But collectively, their energy demand is a different story. The IEA estimates SMEs consume around 13% of total global energy demand (that’s 74 exajoules for those keeping track – I’m looking at you, energy managers!). Yet, approximately 30% of that demand could be eliminated by cost-effective energy efficiency measures, such as implementing energy management software. That would save more energy than Japan and Korea consume in a year!

Sounds great, right? Which business wouldn’t want that level of savings? Well, according to the Observatory of European SMEs, fewer than 30% of them in Europe have implemented any measures for conserving energy, and only 4% have a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency.

Hm. What gives? In a previous post, we talked about the various obstacles holding SMEs back from reaching their energy productivity potential.  Now, how can SMEs overcome these roadblocks? And how can ESCOs get better at helping them? This is the central question driving our latest free guide: Energy Management for SMEs

Wait, what is an SME again?

The OECD defines an SME as “a non-subsidiary, independent company that employs less than a certain number of workers.” This number varies depending on the country: in the US, the upper limit is 500 while in the EU the limit is 250. SMEs can be broken down into micro (think freelancers), small and medium-sized enterprises.

Got it. But if they are so small, why should ESCOs care about energy management for SMEs?

With the European Commission’s Winter Package proposal for a 30% energy efficiency target by 2030, energy audits targeting SMEs could unlock incredible energy savings potential in Europe.

Unfortunately, due to their small size, sectoral variation, and the low returns per customer, ESCOs have a particularly difficult time reaching the SME market in order to reach these targets. Yet, if SMEs implemented energy efficiency measures to their full potential, they could shave more than 30% off their energy bills. And that is something SMEs in Europe and ESCOs everywhere simply can’t afford NOT to do.

Most importantly, SMEs have very specific needs when it comes to energy efficiency and productivity. ESCOs and energy managers need to do a better job of recognising and addressing these pain points. Which is why we wrote this guide showing how ESCOs and SMEs can build on their energy savings potential together.

From Energy Services Gaps to Energy Productivity

Whether you are a small business owner or an energy manager keen to serve your SME clients better, this is essential reading! Your free guide to energy management for SMEs includes:

  • The most common energy management pain points experienced by SMEs – and how to solve them
  • The Ultimate Glossary of 50+ energy management terms to help SME customers get a solid understanding of the field
  • Infographics explaining how energy management fits into SME organisational structure

Ready to start? Get your free guide below:

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