Project Objectives

GEAR@SME…

…substantiates the role of Trusted Partner as a bridge to close the gap between local demand and supply for energy efficiency measures.

…provides evidence for the effectiveness of a local collective approach to overcome barriers for individual SMEs, such as lack of expertise and lack of (access to) finance.

…demonstrates adaptability and flexibility of the common methodology to national cultures and local circumstances.

…improves the skills of energy service suppliers to make interesting business propositions to SMEs based on the multiple benefits approach.

…creates long-lasting local cooperation between Trusted Partner, SMEs, and energy service suppliers, allowing time to grow energy efficient cultures in SMEs with active participation of all organizational layers, boosting the effectiveness of energy audit recommendations.

…establishes a trend of a growing number of local communities of Trusted Partners, SMEs, and energy service providers, focusing on creating a Community of Practice for Trusted Partners.