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Enabling Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to Become Leaders in Energy Efficiency Using a Continuous Maturity Matrix

Author

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  • Zarrin Fatima

    (Technical Research Centre of Finland, PL 1000, 02044 VTT Espoo, Finland)

  • Virpi Oksman

    (Technical Research Centre of Finland, PL 1000, 02044 VTT Espoo, Finland)

  • Risto Lahdelma

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, Otakaari 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland
    Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis, School of Science, Aalto University, Otakaari 1, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

Abstract

SMEs play a crucial role in economies by providing large scale employment and contributing to much of the GDP. Despite their vital role, SMEs face a plethora of challenges, and often, the aspect of energy efficiency is overlooked. This paper conducted studies across Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, and Germany and devised an easy and ready-to-adopt approach to improve energy efficiency in SMEs. The new approach is based on a maturity matrix that supports continuous learning and development and provides expert recommendations on energy efficiency for SMEs around the world. The expert recommendations are based on a final score and aim to address the various challenges that SMEs face, such as limited access to knowledge and lack of awareness of energy efficiency. The approach may be easily adopted by any SME around the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Zarrin Fatima & Virpi Oksman & Risto Lahdelma, 2021. "Enabling Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to Become Leaders in Energy Efficiency Using a Continuous Maturity Matrix," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10108-:d:632227
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Despina S. Giakomidou & Athanasios Kriemadis & Dimitrios K. Nasiopoulos & Dimitrios Mastrakoulis, 2022. "Re-Engineering of Marketing for SMEs in Energy Market through Modeling Customers’ Strategic Behavior," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-20, November.

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