Two in three of Germany's small and medium companies aim to reduce CO2 emissions – survey
Clean Energy Wire
About two thirds of 444 German small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) surveyed by the Trier University say they aim to reduce their CO2 emissions by 2030, while a quarter has set carbon neutrality targets. Reducing internal CO2 emissions is seen as the most important strategy by far, the university said in a press release. Only a quarter of SMEs stated that CO2 compensation, such as through the purchase of CO2 certificates, plays an important role. The surveyed SMEs were divided in their assessment of the importance of external CO2 reduction, for example by choosing suppliers who are concerned about sustainability. Just under half rate this approach as important for their climate strategy. "It is clear that companies are focusing primarily on their own CO2 emissions before looking at their supply chain,” said Lena Benz, researcher at the SME research centre at Trier University. Long term cost reduction, improving the company’s image and acting in anticipation of regulatory conditions were the top motivations for companies to reduce their CO2 emissions.
A recent report by the German CEO Alliance for Climate and Economy and sustainability consultancy Better Earth indicated that climate protection has a major impact on the strategic decisions of companies and is increasingly becoming a success indicator for management.
