The BALANCE project addresses a key European priority concerning environmental and climate goals. Based on the Green Deal presented by the European Commission in December 2019, Europe should become a climate-neutral continent by 2050. According to the Green Action Plan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have an essential role in achieving a greener economy as there are currently 25 million SMEs operating within the EU market. In addition, SMEs are the ones that struggle most to meet environmental challenges since change management is challenged by the lack of financial or human resources, sustainability and knowledge.
Context and Objectives
The project seeks to combine best practises around the EU and back them up with financial knowledge in order to create a valuable training program with a curriculum based on ECVET for the transformation of the small business into more greener enterprises without having to sacrifice their financial sustainability. It will also aim to help SMEs to apply strategies that will allow them to keep their employees during the transition period.
The BALANCE project has the following objectives to:
- Produce a Report on environmental practises in SMEs within the EU
- Provide financial analysis on those measures
- Create a dedicated training program so SMEs can implement easier greener change into their operations
- Provide SME’s consultants with a training program version in order to achieve better reach
- Develop an E-Learning program accessible to anyone
- Provide workshops and Multiplier events and help more micro SMEs to embrace a greener future.
Outcomes
The main results of the project will be the following:
Output 1: a report on examples of green policies and financial sustainability in SMEs
Output 2: a training program: Green and stable SMEs -with a training curriculum (based on ECVET) and training materials
Output 3: an e-learning web platform: Greener and Sustainable Business