Fostering energy efficiency investments in SMEs: the multiple benefits approach for energy audits and energy management systems

Investments in energy efficiency projects in SMEs face obstacles due to the perception of their limited relevance to business pri orities and are often disregarded in favor of other investments with superior economic performance. Including the evaluation of Multiple Benefits (MBs) in the company's decision-making process has proven to enhance the uptake of energy efficiency measures. The DEESME project, co-funded under the Horizon 2020 Programme, has the primary objective of creating a con nection between energy efficiency investments and the com pany’s core business priorities. This paper aims to present the methodology developed in the project and the results stemming from its application. The methodology consists of the incorporation of the MBs ap proach into both energy auditing and Energy Management Systems (EnMS). This paper aims to present the methodol ogy developed in the project and the results stemming from its application. The methodology consists of the incorporation of the MBs approach into both energy auditing and Energy Management Systems (EnMS). The MBs approach for audits is structured in a four-stage methodology. This involves ana lysing the business model for value and efficiency, identifying opportunities for emission reduction through energy analysis, conducting a multiple benefits analysis to link energy deci sions to business development, and advancing business model sustainability. Simultaneously, the EnMS methodology, fed by inputs derived from extended energy audits, seeks to un derscore the correlation between the MBs approach and ISO 50001 certification. Emphasis is placed on integrating the MBs approach into every aspect of the standard. These methodolo gies have been successfully applied to SMEs in Italy, Bulgaria, Poland, and Germany. The presented paper is based on the in sights gained from 42 audits and 22 EnMS implementations, all incorporating the MBs approach, contributed to gathering valuable lessons learnt and best practices.