Greener SMEs contributing to resource efficient economy

EU SMEs are becoming more resource efficient and are contributing to the transition to a low carbon economy, according to the 2013 Eurobarometer survey.

The survey on ‘SMEs, resource efficiency and green markets’ shows that 42% of EU SMEs now have at least one full or part-time green employee – a 5% increase from 2012 which exceeds the expectations set by businesses two years ago.

Furthermore, more than nine in ten SMEs are taking at least one action to be more resource efficient and the level of their efforts has increased since last year. The most common actions are minimising waste (67%), saving energy (67%) and saving materials (59%). At least half are also recycling by reusing material or waste within the company, or by saving water (both 51%).

Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President with responsibility for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “I am happy to see that European SMEs are taking on this huge challenge of moving to a greener economy. However, we need to give them more support in their efforts, so they can take advantage of the untapped possibilities for reducing costs, boosting revenues and creating more green jobs.”

Half of European SMEs active in green markets offer products and services with environmental features such as organic production and eco-labelling or eco-design (51%). Over a third (35%) offer products or services in the area of recycled material – 6% more than in 2012. Construction, food & beverages and electronic and mechanical machinery and equipment are still the most commonly sold green products and services.

In terms of the efforts to become more resource efficient, not only are more than 93% of SMEs already taking action, but when asked about the future, eight out of ten SMEs are planning additional resource efficiency actions in the next two years.