EU has introduced a directive (Directive 2009/28/EC) for the support of renewable energy sources, demanding the increase to the consumption of energy from renewable sources to approximately 20% by 2020.
Plenty of SMEs would like to diminish their negative impact on the earth for environmental and economical reasons but aren't sure exactly what to do about it as there is no comprehensive advice.
A simple web search will return links to information from experts and amateurs on all subjects relative to sustainability and the environment, but the information is very fragmented and of questionable quality and effectiveness.
Taking the above issues into account, the PeSCoS project (http://www.pescos.eu/) aims to provide a personalized training system for SMEs to be able to eliminate their unsustainable ways and embrace new, greener habits.
PeSCoS - Personalised Sustainability Coaching for SMEs
PeSCoS is a two year project aiming to provide a personalised training system for SMEs in order to be in position to eliminate their unsustainable ways and embrace new, greener habits.
The targeted SMEs belong to the following industries:
- Food & Beverage
- Services
- Shops (retail)
- Production (raw materials, industrial SMEs)
Benefits for SMEs
- Save money
- Be less harmful to the environment
- Create an environmental culture amongst customers and staff
Major Outcomes
The PeSCoS personalised online training system for SMEs comprises:
- A carbon footprint calculator capable of utilizing regionally specific datasets.
- Training material covering energy reduction in the areas of recycling and heating systems, electricity, paper consumption and transportation.
- A tool for the automated creation of personalised unsustainable ways withdrawal plans geared to SMEs.
- A set of best practices for the application of energy saving materials, tools and procedures for SMEs to embrace new, greener habits.
The envisaged impact comprises the reduction of the carbon footprint of SMEs through the promotion of “greener” choices and operational ways.
Key Objectives
The main objective is the implementation of a personalised, adaptive training system for SMEs to embrace “greener” habits and it will be realised through the following intermediate objectives:
- Analyse the State of the Art in carbon footprint calculators.
- Identify SME sustainability needs in partner regions in order to personalise the unsustainable ways withdrawal plans based on their characteristics.
- Develop the appropriate training material to cover all important aspects of environmental sustainability.
- Organise pilot experiences to satisfy the demands of users.
PeSCoS Process
The process will start by calculating the current carbon footprint and producing a detailed report listing the actions that will turn the business greener. The actions will be divided into categories:
- Simple actions that can be implemented immediately without an investment.
- Simple actions that can be implemented immediately but require an investment.
- Actions that have prerequisites (other actions need to be implemented first), but require no investment.
- Actions that have prerequisites and require an investment.
- The SMEs will be prompted to select the actions they wish to implement and the tool will generate a customized energy-reduction plan.