The key objectives of the project are: To enable SME owners and personnel to educate themselves on Energy Footprint management, by utilizing digital modern tools and technology. To provide them with an easy-to-use, interactive Self-Rating (S-R) tool to guide them through the Energy Footprint management process, enhancing their resource utilization and cost effectiveness. To give them access to a comprehensive and modular, self-paced Training Course, to help them get familiar with the Energy Footprint concept. To arrange all the necessary resources on an online open education (OER) platform for free and easy access. The OER platform hosts the well-researched and well-thought Energy Footprint management methodology, developed in SMEnergy, on which the tool and the course are based. To assist all target groups to not only be familiar with but also adopt and utilize digital technologies as part of their business, helping them identify, assess, evaluate and optimize their Energy Footprint management. To provide the target groups, with tools to assist their members to acquire / improve their knowledge, maturity and capability, to deal with Energy Footprint management.
Since 2007, the EU, heavily reliant on imported oil, gas, and uranium, became the world's leading importer of these fuels. In response to this dependence and environmental concerns, the EU set ambitious targets in 2014 for a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 and aimed for a 27% renewable energy quota to create 70,000 jobs and cut €33bn in fossil fuel imports. The 2015 Energy Union Strategy, aligning with the Paris Agreement, focuses on transforming European energy supply to be secure, sustainable, competitive, and affordable. Despite the increased awareness and legislative pressures, SMEs struggle with energy efficiency due to diversity and misconceptions about the costs and complexity of implementing sustainable practices. The SPEEDIER project highlights that energy efficiency remains a low priority for many SMEs compared to other business concerns, with barriers including financial constraints, limited time for sustainability, and a lack of perceived value in energy initiatives. Notably, Russia, Canada, Australia were the primary suppliers of nuclear materials, fulfilling over 75% of the EU's needs. SMEnergy Project, targeted to SMEs, adresses the needs of SMEs companies related to their Energy Footprint Management.