- Stimulating discussion about the importance of sustainability for SMEs and promoting related research activities
- Presenting and awarding the best success stories to inspire SME entrepreneurs to develop sustainable business models.
SMEs are recognized here in the following categories:
- Sustainable Business Model
- Sustainable Products and Services
- Sustainability through Digitalization
Applications for the Generali SME EnterPRIZE are open until May 15, 2023.
In addition to prize money of €10,000 for the further development and implementation of sustainable projects, the winners of the three categories can also look forward to a free membership in our Glacier Climate Academy, among other benefits.
Are you interested? Apply now! Generali SME EnterPRIZE Digitalization as a pioneer for sustainability in companies According to a study by Bitkom, every company in Germany that is pursuing or planning a concrete sustainability strategy integrates the factor of "digitalization" into it. And for good reason. Digital technologies enable companies to save up to 20% of their emissions through energy efficiency. A study by the German Federal Environment Agency also examined the potential of digital technologies for climate protection and published exciting findings, examples include:
- Weather forecast-based control of heating systems can generate energy savings of up to 10%
- Online efficiency monitoring can achieve average energy savings of 5%
- Smart home feedback systems can contribute to climate protection by making emission sources visible and serving as a basis for concrete measures to reduce emissions
10 measures for CO2 reduction through digitalization
As described, digital technologies primarily increase the energy efficiency of companies enormously. Whether through automatic warning signals for overdue machine maintenance, smart technologies that regulate both indoor heating and corporate purchasing, or emission trackers that provide a concrete overview of a company's CO2 emissions and serve as a basis for reduction measures: digitalization can support at all levels when used correctly. Here are a few examples:
- Cloud Computing
- Internet of Things
- Big Data and Analytics
- Automation of business processes
- Online meetings
- Intelligent building management
- Optimized control of production processes
- Digitalized emission tracking
- Optimization of purchasing processes
- Carsharing systems
IT specialists with climate skills?
Digitalization is seen by 75% of German companies as an "opportunity for sustainability and climate protection," according to the aforementioned Bitkom study. However, this requires IT specialists who have the necessary awareness and skills to successfully implement climate protection measures in their field. Accordingly, 91% of those surveyed in the study demand that IT specialist training be supplemented with content on climate protection and sustainability. However, in order to successfully implement climate protection measures in a company, awareness and skills are also needed throughout the entire workforce. For example, automatic emission trackers are only climate-friendly if all employees draw climate-active decisions from the data provided.
To bring climate awareness closer to the entire workforce, there are re- and upskilling offerings in exactly these areas. The Glacier Climate Academy offers climate protection training ranging from the basics to industry-specific expertise.
What are the risks in the area of sustainability through digitalization?
"Digitalization can support at all levels when used correctly." Because in addition to great opportunities, the wrong use of digital technologies also presents risks that can have a negative impact on the climate.
Rebound effect
Increasing the efficiency of products is often accompanied by cost savings. However, these cost savings can affect purchasing and usage behavior, which can ultimately have negative consequences for the global climate. This effect is called the rebound effect.
Energy-intensive systems
Computationally intensive systems that are intended to increase efficiency, such as blockchain or AI solutions, can lead to high energy consumption. To avoid this, cloud computing must be successfully implemented in order to actually create climate solutions with the introduction of these systems.
For this reason, awareness of the necessity of climate protection measures is needed to avoid such follow-up behavior. Generali is also aware of the urgency of climate protection measures and therefore organizes the Generali SME EnterPRIZE annually, recognizing small and medium-sized enterprises that can demonstrate special climate protection achievements.
In summary, this means...
...digitalization holds great opportunities for energy efficiency in companies when handled responsibly. Both large companies and SMEs benefit from digitalized processes to successfully integrate sustainability into their business strategy. The Generali EnterPRIZE highlights good practice SMEs in the field of sustainability in general and digitalization in particular, and serves as an opportunity to put the sustainability achievements of your own company in the spotlight.
Show how climate-active your company is! Apply now Interested in more climate protection knowledge?
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