The first activity of LEAP4SME has been mapping and understanding the state of art of the SME data availability in the nine Agencies' partner Countries. The associated deliverable provides an overview on the economic, structural and energy-related data on the SME situation in Europe with a focus on the targeted Member States. Within this task two novel methodologies for preliminary estimating the SME energy consumption at National level have been developed and applied.
In combination with the data mapping and assessment, an extensive collection and categorization of energy efficiency policies, programmes and projects addressing SMEs has been produced. The participant Agencies analysed also the most relevant barriers and enabling factors for an effective deployment of the SME energy audits market through the role of the energy service players.
The first findings were then integrated into a broader activity of literature research, direct interviews with Senior members of National Energy Agencies, surveys, data from Observatories and feedback from trainings. After the analysis of 173 programmes, policies and projects (Deliverable D2.2) 64 literature contributions on specific policies for Energy Efficiency in SMEs in 21 European and non-European countries have been deeply assessed (T4.2); 9 Contributions from senior members of each National Agency involved in the project have been included in the policy assessment activities, and more than 300 answers to the project surveys and data gathered from the partner Agencies have been elaborated.
Moreover, information, opinions and feedback have been gathered through the project observatory and training activities (T4.1 and WP5). The Consortium carried out a further in-depth analysis, at project partners’ Country level, on the possible integration of SMEs energy audit programmes with other EED’s articles and other relevant legislation, focusing on the innovative topic of energy vulnerability in SMEs (T4.3).
On the topic of non-energy benefits, a new set of KPIs was proposed, using data easily collectable during an audit procedure, or that is already systematized within the companies’ legal or voluntary requirements. Such KPIs intend to assist the quantification of NEBs resulting from energy audits, namely, to contribute to the comparison of resource consumption levels supported by specific data. Focusing on resource efficiency audits, it was studied that this type of audits can boost the implementation of energy efficiency measures, as well as decrease the use of energy, water, and materials, therefore increasing the companies’ competitiveness and reducing the uncertainties of externalities. Also, to monitor the suitable indicators to each company, different levels of KPIs’ evaluation were drafted and scenarios presented.
The results have been used in the project trainings and led to the preparation of tailor-made Policy Recommendations on energy audit and energy efficiency policies in SMEs
Based on the project main findings, the Consortium finalised five peer-reviewed papers, four posters, a guide for SMEs in six languages, several leaflets, press releases and newsletters in different languages.
