Energy audit policies to drive energy efficiency

SMEs are the backbone of Europe’s economy and play a fundamental role in world economies. Their energy consumption, although relatively low at individual level, is high when considered collectively, accounting for at least 13% of global final energy consumption annually (74 EJ) – about one third of the industry and services energy demand.

The unlocked energy savings that could be achieved in SMEs with existing best available technologies and practices is up to the 30% of their consumption. Yet a lack of expertise, time and resources, together with a shortage of specific and tailor-made energy efficiency policy targeting SMEs, often prevents them from carrying out proper energy audits and adopting energy conservation measures.

Where policies do exist, the great heterogeneity in size and sector and lack of awareness of investment opportunities make their mobilisation difficult.

About LEAP4SME

Coordinated by ENEA, LEAP4SME aims to support Member States in establishing or improving effective policies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undergo energy audits and implement cost-effective, recommended energy-saving measures through identifying the barriers for unlocking energy efficiency measures, mobilising private stakeholders, and proposing effective solutions to realise both energy and non-energy benefits.

Facts