The TranspArEEnS project, funded by the EU, is advancing into its third phase, focusing on developing a standardized framework for assessing the energy efficiency (EE) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. SMEs constitute approximately 99% of all European companies. The project aims to create a qualitative-quantitative questionnaire tailored for SMEs, with considerations for recent energy and geopolitical emergencies. CRIF, a participant in the project, is leading exclusive data collection.
The first two phases garnered interest from SMEs, banking and insurance institutions, and trade associations. The initiative responds to the need for a standardized approach to assess and rate SMEs based on EE and ESG criteria, aligning with recommendations from the EU Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance.
The project’s coordinator, at Ca’ Foscari University, emphasizes the innovative approach, integrating major changes and potential risks into the development of a questionnaire for standardized data collection on ESG indicators. CRIF, having previously collaborated on energy-efficient mortgage initiatives, contributes its assets and ESG expertise to provide a standard assessment model. In the SME sector, where ESG awareness is still consolidating, access to qualified information becomes crucial. CRIF’s SynESGy platform supports transparency, collaboration, and sustainability, offering companies and financial players a vital tool to gauge their energy efficiency and overall sustainability. The project addresses the growing importance of sustainable practices and aims to empower SMEs to understand and leverage their sustainability potential.