SMEmPower – A holistic approach to energy efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises

The European research project SMEmPower aimed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) carry out energy audits and take action to increase their energy efficiency. The project employed a holistic approach to tackle the challenges at the stakeholder, organisational and institutional levels.

SMEmPower developed an integrated education and training programme aimed at energy-related SME staff. Employees received training in the evaluation of financial and technical information, enabling them to assess the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency measures. The project then applied the acquired knowledge in pilot installations.

In terms of the institutional level, workshops brought together SMEs and representatives from financial institutions to explore ways to finance energy efficiency projects. The aim was to close the gap between energy audits and action.

adelphi research was commissioned with the analysis of the German framework conditions and the development of reccommendations for energy audits and energy management in SMEs. In addition, adelphi research developed, carried out and certified the continuing education and training courses for SMEs in Germany, as well as provided corresponding online training content.