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News article5 December 2022Directorate-General for Energy

Covenant of Companies goes to Prague

CCCE goes to Prague

The Covenant of Companies was officially presented on 29 November in Prague, Czech Republic, during a session entitled ‘’No Net Zero without SMEs: launching practical support for energy transition’’.

It was held in the framework of the SME Assembly, the most significant event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and those that support them.

The session outlined how SMEs have a fundamental responsibility in driving the energy transition and climate action, and ultimately need to take immediate action to become less carbon intensive. The session also included inputs from NIVISS, a Polish SME who has benefitted from the pilot scheme over its first months.

“Europe’s economy is built on the hard graft of SMEs. 23 million SMEs employ over 80 million people and account for half of the EU’s GDP. But they also account for 64% of industrial pollution in Europe, which is why it is crucial that this key pillar of our society steps up its preparations for the net zero economy of the future. The Covenant of Companies for Climate and Energy’s assistance programme aims to induce behavioural change among European businesses, by assisting companies to find ways to reduce their energy consumption, switch to cleaner ways of operating and ultimately save money, too,” said Georg Houben, Policy Officer at DG ENER, European Commission.

The audience warmly welcomed the Covenant of Companies, particularly the free technical support and a validated European recognition scheme.

Watch again the Session “No Net Zero Without SMEs” here

Photos of the Net Zero session

Video interview with Georg Houben, presenting the CCCE

Details

Publication date
5 December 2022
Author
Directorate-General for Energy