The second edition of SME EnterPRIZE, the Generali project dedicated to promoting the culture of sustainability among SMEs in Europe, concluded today in Brussels at the end of a year-long research process among the most sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises on the Continent.
Generali awarded i 9 “Sustainability Heroes” selected from over 6.600 small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe during an event that saw the participation of policymakers, academics and opinion leaders together with the enterprises themselves. Generali, together with a scientific committee made up of university, business and think-tank representatives evaluated the candidates on the basis of their social, environmental and community commitment, including the implementation of relevant sustainability initiatives in their commercial activities. The goal is that they can represent a inspiration model for other entrepreneurs and become ambassadors of sustainability.
At the event, the White Paper created by SDA Bocconi – School of Management Sustainability Lab. From the research, which involved over 1.000 European SMEs, a worrying polarization emerges between a significant part of those that have implemented sustainable business models, and the other companies that are lagging behind. The research also shows that, while the PNRR plans are supporting the commitment of small and medium-sized enterprises on their path towards sustainability, obstacles still remain, such as access to sustainable finance.
The research illustrates the progress made by small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing sustainable business models, the challenges they face and what political and financial institutions can do to create a greener and more inclusive economy. Generali celebrates the second edition of the project EMS Enter PRICE inviting Europe to show the courage and vision needed to unlock the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises. Together, SMEs account for more than half of European GDP and 99% of EU businesses and form the bedrock of the European economy and are essential drivers of the sustainable transition. However, with businesses currently under pressure, Europe needs to step up its efforts to continue on its path of sustainability. This means keeping environmental and social goals, as well as SMEs, at the heart of major policy initiatives, from the Capital Markets Union and the European recovery plan, to the recently announced SME Relief Package and forthcoming market reforms. 'power.
Philippe Donnet, Group CEO of Generali, said: “It is a truly challenging moment for many small and medium-sized enterprises, which in recent years have had to face a series of global crises. Europe has made great strides in putting environmental goals and social commitments at the heart of the economy, and now more than ever we must continue to pursue them. We must place SMEs at the heart of all major policy initiatives to deliver the EU's green and economic ambitions, which are key to building a sustainable and resilient future for all."
Marco Sesana, General Manager of Generali, underlined: “This project is in line with our strategic plan 'Lifetime Partner 24: Driving Growth'. Our commitment as a responsible insurer is to promote sustainable transition and SME EnterPRIZE is the project aimed at achieving this.
Today in Brussels, in the heart of the European Union, we brought together experts, policymakers and businesses themselves for a discussion on the path to follow when celebrating the latter. We simply cannot achieve an inclusive and green future shared by all in Europe without SMEs”.
The “Sustainability Heroes” 2022 – “Doing well by doing good”
Among the over 6.600 participating SMEs, Generali presented the 'Sustainability Heroes', the companies selected in the fields of welfare, environment and community, from the nine European countries that have joined the project: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary , Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Lucia Silva, Group Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, said: “SMEs will be essential for a greener and more inclusive future. As a responsible insurer, Generali is actively engaged in promoting sustainable transition and SME EnterPRIZE is our flagship initiative to achieve this. The companies that we have recognized and awarded today are brilliant examples that demonstrate how it is possible to work by combining success with positive action for the environment and the community. These businesses do well by doing good.”
RUSZ GmbH (Austria), offers repair services for electrical and electronic equipment in Vienna, as well as promoting the recycling industry and the sustainable production and consumption of such items. The scientific committee praised RUSZ for its "important initiative, as e-waste is a critical element".
Callidus Group ltd (Croatia), an IT services and consultancy firm specializing in sustainability projects. In particular, a project to optimize the transmission of the electricity grid was reported, so as to reduce the need for new high voltage lines and allow the connection of new renewable energy sources to the grid. The scientific committee praised "the innovative use of digital technologies in the energy sector, which allows the development of 'smart' networks and the saving of energy and materials necessary for the construction of electricity networks".
Sady sv. Prokopa sro (Czech Republic), (I orchards of San Procopio) an orchard near Temelin specializing in ecological agricultural practices and offering employment to people with disabilities living in the area. The scientific committee defined the company as "an extraordinary local, sustainable and replicable agricultural project".
Cycle Terre (France), a company that contributes to limiting the impact, in terms of carbon emissions, of the construction sector thanks to eco-responsible materials produced from excavated earth. The scientific committee awarded an extra score for "the use of a resource widely available and usually considered waste".
Mint Future GmbH (Germany), a platform that connects electric car drivers to the CO2 trading market, enabling them to sell their savings to high-volume emitters of carbon dioxide and to reinvest in climate protection projects. The scientific committee called it "an innovative idea, as many electric vehicle owners do not know they can exercise such compensation or how to reinvest it in sustainability projects".
Manual Divat Kft. (Hungary), a family-owned glove company committed to “slow fashion” and the circular economy. The scientific committee particularly highlighted the heart of the project, aimed at "donating leather processing waste for other uses and at marking gloves, allowing consumers to trace the life cycle of products".
Agrimad srl (Italy), a Calabrian producer of local specialties that has made itself self-sufficient thanks to clean energy and has launched initiatives to support the local community. The company, which operates under the Madeo family name, was selected because it "offers employment opportunities in a region with a high emigration rate" and for its "focus on youth employment and community involvement."
ALGAplus (Portugal), a company that cultivates seaweed with an innovative and environmentally responsible approach. Algae are a sustainable resource that can be used in many sectors: food, cosmetics, biomaterials and packaging. The scientific committee said the initiative has "great potential to contribute to a more sustainable future".
Nuevos Sistemas Tecnológicos SL (Spain), developers of the NaviLens project which helps visually impaired people to orient themselves in unfamiliar environments, thanks to dedicated QR codes that can be detected by their mobile phones and communicate information. The scientific committee judged the project "an innovative solution to make our societies more inclusive".
The White Paper of the Bocconi University
The White Paper of SDA Bocconi – School of Management Sustainability Lab publishes the results of an extensive survey conducted among SME owners on their approach to sustainability. It also looks at how national recovery and resilience plans can include initiatives that can support these companies, and how financial products are evolving to support their sustainability efforts.
Main points
SME survey:
- there is a "growing polarisation" between companies with sustainability plans and those that have not adopted any plans;
- 41% of SME owners interviewed stated that they have adopted a sustainability strategy or intend to do so in the near future;
- 43% said they have no plans to implement environmental and social business practices, up from 20% two years ago;
- most respondents stated that adopting an environmental and social business strategy improved customer satisfaction and reputation and increased efficiency as well as market share.
National recovery and resilience plans:
- Member States are exceeding the target set for initiatives aimed at a transition to a greener economy;
- SMEs can indirectly benefit from infrastructural and sectoral initiatives;
- SMEs can directly benefit from initiatives aimed at supporting individual companies in the transition.
Access to sustainable finance:
- the world of finance is developing an unprecedented number of ESG products;
- the number of SMEs involved is still limited, although there are examples of good practices;
- Authorized credit guarantee schemes, basket bonds and insurance products can offer financing options for SMEs.
