ECAP

Environmental Compliance Assistance Programme for SMEs

Small, Clean and Competitive

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 European Commission
Small, Clean and Competitive
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities
2008 — 28 pp. — 21 x 21 cm
ISBN 978-92-79-08747-9

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 KH-30-08-349-EN-C
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 Contents

Introduction 2
Better regulation 8
Environmental management 12
Targeted funding 16
Building expertise 22
Communication 24

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 Introduction

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 Small, Clean and Competitive

I n t ro d u c t i o n

SMEs of the future:

cleaner and more competitive
S
mall to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can
find it difficult to meet the requirements of en-
vironmental legislation and take steps to im-
prove their eco-efficiency. The EU’s Environmental
Compliance Assistance Programme (ECAP) is here
to lend a helping hand, providing the resources,
information and tools that Europe’s entrepreneurs
need to green their operations.
Representing around 99% of all enterprises and
57% of the economic value-added, SMEs ac-
count for a significant proportion of economic
activity in the EU. This means that although
individual businesses may have a small impact
on the environment, the combined effect of
their activities is considerable. It is important
therefore that, if progress is to be made, efforts
to address environmental problems include
SMEs.
Tricky situation
However, many SMEs across Europe are un-
aware of the impact their operations have on
the environment, or the legislation that ap-
plies to them. There are a number of reasons
for this.

Eco-innovation – an opportunity
The Scottish company Windsave has developed a small wind turbine generator system which uses low
wind speeds to create electricity, and which is designed to be mounted on almost any building, offering
both financial and environmental rewards to its users.
The turbine is the first worldwide low-cost product that delivers electricity directly into homes and other
buildings merely by plugging the supply into the wall socket.
The system uses wind speed to create environmentally friendly electricity and acts as the first source
of power, thus reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be drawn from the national grid and,
subsequently, the amount of CO2 emitted. For domestic and charitable users, the product costs £1 898 and
offers an annual saving on energy bills of around £200. This means that the turbine system should pay for
itself in a few years.
Widespread uptake amongst public services, such as schools, could have a significant impact on CO2
emission levels.

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 Small, Clean and Competitive

I n t ro d u c t i o n

First, smaller businesses generally lack the

dedicated resources and expertise to devote
to environmental or legal issues. They tend to
have shorter planning times and less access
to capital than larger ones, meaning upfront
investments in eco-technology make less eco-
nomic sense or are beyond their reach. Also,
there are limited market incentives or recogni-
tion for environmentally friendly behaviour at
present.
In addition, SMEs are often below the thresh-
old for many of the EU’s environmental
schemes and legislation, such as the emis-
sions trading scheme, the main EU action on

Greener meals on wheels

Sotral is an Italian SME that delivers meals to schools, hospitals and the armed forces. To comply with hygiene
and environmental requirements, it is vital that the food arrives on time and at the correct temperature.
Using the Environmental Product Declaration system, the company analysed the environmental impact of
its business and made improvements. By equating environmental efficiency with economic efficiency, and
cutting their use of financial and natural resources, Sotral was able to reduce the CO2 produced for each
transported meal whilst boosting its turnover.
Changes such as switching to an alternative, cheaper fuel like methane demonstrated that environmental
considerations can have a positive commercial effect as well. Employees were also encouraged to approach
business in a more responsible and sustainable way.
Sotral shows that action to improve a company’s environmental impact does not have to harm its profitability.
Indeed, the reverse is true – its turnover rose by more than 15% in 2005 and by 25% in 2006, with a continuing
upward trend expected in 2007. Following a Life Cycle Assessment, the company has even gone on to create
a new ecological catering unit to extend the good work.

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 Small, Clean and Competitive

I n t ro d u c t i o n

climate change, or the Integrated Pollution These factors mean that SMEs may be missing
Prevention and Control Directive (IPPC) con- out on the significant benefits that greening
trolling industrial pollution. their operations can bring. Better environmen-
tal management can cut costs, for instance, by
Improved environmental behaviour by com-
improving energy and resource efficiency. It
panies is usually driven by the need to meet
can also make conditions healthier and safer
regulations and enforcement of the rules by
for workers by reducing exposure to chemicals
authorities. However, actions such as inspec-
or air pollution.
tions are insufficient to ensure compliance
and rarely produce more permanent change
in behaviour among SMEs.

THE ECAP PROGRAMME

Adopted in October 2007, the Environmental Compliance Assistance Programme (ECAP) provides a
framework to help small and medium-sized companies implement European environmental legislation and
minimise the environmental impacts of their activities.
Actions are planned for:
Better regulation in the design and implementation of policies to minimise the administrative burden of
compliance on SMEs. The European Commission is examining all Community legislation to identify where
it can cut unnecessary costs or reduce the administrative burden. It is also working with implementation
authorities and seeking to involve the SME sector more closely when making new policies.
Developing more accessible tailor-made environmental management schemes to integrate environ-
mental concerns into SMEs’ core business activities in a coherent and cost-effective way.
Focused financial assistance to promote and support initiatives by public authorities or business support
networks aiming at sustainable production in SMEs.
Building local environmental expertise for SMEs to overcome the lack of know-how at company level.
Improved communication and targeted information. The ECAP website is already on-line and a series of
further information tools are planned.

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 Small, Clean and Competitive

I n t ro d u c t i o n

Companies that do make the effort to green
their operations often secure additional
benefits. For example, they may gain access
to more business opportunities, for instance,
by being able to supply large companies or
public authorities that require environmental
criteria from their suppliers. They can also
build an image as a responsible company and
use this as a marketing tool – a factor that is
becoming increasingly important.
Providing know-how
The European Commission understands the
pressures faced by SMEs and has established
the Environmental Compliance Assistance
Programme (ECAP) (see box) to provide
resources and make know-how available to
companies.
ECAP outlines a series of actions which aim to
minimise the administrative burden of com-
plying with regulation, make environmental
management schemes more accessible and
cost-effective for SMEs, provide focused fi-
nancial assistance, and give wider access to
environmental expertise in their local regions
and targeted information.
This brochure outlines the programme, pre-
senting basic facts on environmental policy
and SMEs, together with case studies from
around the EU.

EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

There are a number of areas of EU environmental legislation of relevance to SMEs:
Air quality and noise
EU rules set limits on the emissions of certain pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide
(NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), ammonia (NH3) and lead. These can be translated into national
rules that put obligations on those businesses which emit these substances.
Maximum noise levels are established for equipment used outdoors in construction and other industries.
Chemicals
The EU’s Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),
which came into effect in 2006, puts an obligation on all companies that produce or use chemicals to
ensure they are safe. The most dangerous chemicals will be phased out.

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Environmental management
Firms can introduce better environmental management through several initiatives, such as the Eco-
Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), Life Cycle Assessment and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Greener products
Several Union policies aim to encourage greener products. Green Public Procurement (GPP) means public
authorities can set environmental criteria when buying products or services.
The EU Eco-label makes it easy for consumers to identify environmentally friendly products.
Integrated Product Policy (IPP) looks at all the environmental impacts resulting from each phase of a
product’s life cycle. For electrical and electronic devices, the Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive sets rules
on eco-design, while the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous
Substances (RoHS) Directives cover the materials that can be used in electrical and electronic equipment
and how they are treated once they become waste. The End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive does the same
for scrap road vehicles.
Waste
There are a number of pieces of EU legislation on different aspects of waste and its management. Businesses
must ensure that the waste they produce is treated in an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly way –
and pay for the costs of treatment. Specific legislation covers packaging, vehicles, batteries, oils, electrical
equipment, food waste, hazardous waste and shipments of waste.
Water
EU legislation aims to minimise pollution and improve the quality of Europe’s drinking water, rivers, lakes
and seas. Directives control emissions from specific industrial and agricultural sectors, urban waste water
and dangerous substances.
Soil
Several individual pieces of legislation cover discharges into soil. They include rules on the biodegradability
of detergents, persistent organic pollutants, nitrates and mercury.
Specific sectors whose activities impact soil are also covered by legislation, such as waste
landfill, extractive industries and agriculture. Future action to protect soil is laid out in
the European Commission’s Thematic Strategy on soil, which was released in 2006.
Since national laws must be put into place to meet central EU legislation, rules may vary
from country to country.

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 Better regulation

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B e t t e r re g u l a t i o n

Cutting red tape

S
MEs can find environmental legislation com-
plex and difficult to understand, and in gen-
eral, the smaller the company, the harder
it is. In future, legislation needs to take account
of these difficulties. Requirements can be better
defined and procedures made simpler in order to
achieve the same environmental objectives with
less red tape, and at less cost.
The first step towards this ‘better regulation’ is
in the actual formulation and operation of the
legislation itself. The European Commission
and national governments are working togeth-
er to design all their legislation in such a way
that the administrative burden is minimised.
Company resources can then be focused on ac-
tually improving environmental performance
and compliance, as opposed to expending
them on administrative formalities.
Simplification
The Commission is currently examining all EU
legislation to see where it can cut unneces-
sary administration and costs as regards the
information it requires from SMEs.
José Manuel Barroso, the EU Commission
President, has vowed to restrict Union
legislation to “what is absolutely necessary
to achieve our stated objectives”. The aim
of the programme, which he launched in
2007, is to cut the administration burden on
companies by 25% by 2012. A Commission
report on the first year of the drive towards
simplification estimated that savings of
€500 million have already been made, with
over 300 legal acts axed. The process is set
to intensify in coming years.

Bavaria: agreeing to improve

The Bavarian Environmental Agreement gives incentives to SMEs who take action to improve the
environmental impacts of their businesses, going beyond actions required by law. The system is based on
agreements between SMEs and public authorities, under which businesses can receive financial assistance
or are relieved of some administrative obligations if they improve their environmental record beyond
simply complying with legislation. Evaluations are carried out regularly to ensure that objectives are being
achieved.
An important element is that SMEs receive subsidies to introduce environmental management systems,
such as the EU’s Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), through which environmental performance
is continuously monitored. Companies gain relief from certain administrative requirements, such as
monitoring and reporting emissions and waste, or inspection of installations under German Water Law.

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At a national level, costs can be cut by avoiding
duplicate requests, using IT solutions to share
common information and simplifying the way
it has to be presented. Permit procedures
can be streamlined and options should also
be explored, such as making one-stop shops
for businesses to apply for permits and other
regulatory procedures.
Learning from best practices is also important.
A study into the most effective support ac-
tions to improve the implementation of envi-
ronmental regulation has already been done,
with 76 successful actions from 24 countries.
Knowledge of these examples will be dissemi-
nated more widely throughout the EU.

The Netherlands: one permit fits all

The Dutch Environment Ministry (VROM) has simplified its procedures by consolidating its permit
requirements into a single framework. Around 25 different types of permit have been reduced to one.
The initiative unites a range of permits issued by VROM, including those for Integrated Pollution Prevention
and Control (IPPC), building, spatial planning and other aspects of air quality protection. In addition, the
new permit extends to areas that fall under the remit of other ministries, including water, monuments and
nature protection.
The new system also provides a simpler web-based application form which allows applicants to complete
only those sections that are directly relevant to them.

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B e t t e r re g u l a t i o n

Many problems with the implementation of

Improved enforcement
Environmental authorities across Europe col-
laborate through the IMPEL network (see box),
and the Commission will continue to work
with this network to improve the enforcement
of environmental laws. In particular, IMPEL will
contribute to the revision of current guide-
lines on criteria for environmental inspections,
using its practical experience of SMEs’ needs
and constraints.
legislation can be avoided through the greater
involvement of SME stakeholders in the policy-
making process – both when policies are first
proposed and then when they are put into
practice. The Commission will seek closer con-
sultation when drawing up and implementing
new legislation, and has recently strength-
ened its guidelines for impact assessments of
policy options and existing legislation to take
greater account of SMEs.

IMPEL: ENFORCING TOGETHER

In operation since 1992, IMPEL (The European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of
Environmental Law) is an informal network of European environmental authorities which work together to
improve the application of legislation.
Amongst the network’s priorities, international collaboration through the network focuses on the
exchange of information in the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental rules, inspection
activities, and it is engaged in better legislation issues.

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 E nv i r o n m e n t a l
management

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E nv i ro n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t

Tailor-made environmental
management schemes
B
usinesses can dramatically improve their en-
vironmental performances in a cost-effective
way through the adoption of environmental
management systems, such as the EU’s Eco-Man-
agement and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Developing
made-to-measure systems will increase their up-
take by SMEs.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
establish a framework for organisations to
evaluate and report their environmental im-
pacts, and then to plan a course of action to
make improvements accordingly.
Several other systems have been developed in
recent years, either to address the needs of a
specific business sector, or individual environ-
mental issues.
For regulating authorities, the management
systems can act as a guarantee that companies
are meeting their legal requirements, while
greater acceptance of a certified EMS, such as
the EMAS scheme, is a reliable alternative to
compliance checks or inspections, and cuts
administration requirements for businesses.

Adopting a reputable EMS ensures that com-

panies comply with legislation, as well as
bringing added efficiency – and cost savings
– to operations. Experience shows that they
have a much more positive influence on a
company’s environmental engagement than
inspections or compliance checks, and bring
much greater benefits in terms of efficiency
gains.
The European Eco-Management and Audit
Scheme (EMAS, see box) is the environmental
management system developed by the EU. The
scheme is now under revision in order to make
it more robust and reliable, in terms of both
environmental performance and legal compli-
ance, and to make it easier to apply for SMEs.

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of public-private partnerships to do so. This

Developing solutions
ECAP is taking a series of actions aimed
making environmental management systems
more accessible for SMEs. The Commission will
promote the uptake of EMAS by clusters of
SMEs working together, encouraging the use
should reduce auditing and consulting costs
for individual firms and ease the exchange of
information between different organisations.
It will also mean that companies working to-
gether can adopt a coherent environmental
policy.

MAPPING A COMPANY’S GREEN CREDENTIALS

The EU’s Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is an environmental management tool to help
companies and other organisations to evaluate, report and improve their environmental performance.
To obtain EMAS certification, an organisation must conduct a thorough environmental review of all its
activities, establish an environmental management system based on this review, and produce regular
audits and statements of environmental performance.
EMAS registration ensures that a company is in compliance with EU environmental legislation and avoids
fines. Businesses can identify how to make their processes more eco-efficient and so make costs savings.
And it helps prevent the need for costly clean-ups.

MAKING IT EASIER
EMAS can be a sophisticated and complex system to set up and run. The EMAS Easy tool is a project to build
capacity in the EU’s Member States and candidate countries for the implementation of the management
and auditing schemes in SMEs.
It uses a process known as ‘Ecomapping’ to pinpoint issues of environmental concern on a simplified map of
the production facilities. The results of the mapping exercise are used to complete ten simple forms devised
specifically to ensure compliance with EMAS requirements.
EMAS Easy national pilot projects began in December 2004 and are planned to cover all Member States
by 2009. The pilots aim to train five national experts and ten SMEs to use the system. The best-performing
enterprises have been awarded EMAS certification. The completed projects successfully demonstrated that it
is perfectly possible to implement the EMAS scheme in very small organisations.
More information:
EMAS: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/about/summary_en.htm
EMAS Easy: http://www.emas-easy.eu/

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Tools, such as EMAS Easy (see case study),

already exist for the implementation of EMAS
within SMEs. These will be further developed
and applied on a larger scale with projects in
all EU Member States. A pilot phase of EMAS
Easy has already been run in new Member
States and showed that full EMAS registration
is feasible, even in the smallest companies.
This revision will also reduce the administra-
tive burden of EMAS, which will be particularly
beneficial for SMEs. EMAS should be made
more accessible, more understandable and
more effective, with less red tape but the same
high standards.
Improving the visibility of the scheme through
promotion activities by the Commission and
Member States is also a priority. Greater aware-
ness will make this a more valuable marketing
instrument for registered businesses.

Cleaner printing
The CREW printing company was one of the first Hungarian companies to achieve EMAS certification,
in 2005. The company – which employs 33 people – worked with the Követ, the Hungarian Association for
Environmentally Aware Management, and used the EMAS Easy tool to ‘eco-map’ issues of environmental
concern. The storage of hazardous materials and waste, energy consumption, noise, and paper waste were
areas found to be requiring action.
An action programme was put into place for 2005-2006 to deal with the problems identified. The first year
saw some dramatic improvements – hazardous waste per tonne of print produced decreased by 40%, paper
waste by 40%, water consumption by 45% and energy consumption by 55%.

More information:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/sme/cases/cases10_en.htm

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 Ta r g e t e d f u n d i n g

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Focused financing
E
nterprises need financial incentives and sup- environmental compliance assistance meas-
port in order to adopt or develop the most ures for SMEs in the 2007-13 period. Actions
innovative environmental technologies and include, for instance, the creation of cluster
business practices. Specific funding is allocated coordination bodies for EMAS registration,
for SMEs and the environment under various EU
regional compliance assistance programmes
mechanisms for the 2007-13 period.
to offer SMEs environmental audits and guid-
Companies that adopt the most innovative en- ance, sector-specific information initiatives, or
vironmental technologies and business prac- training of business support networks.
tices can rapidly improve their environmental
performances and compliance. However, Structural Funding
SMEs often need financial incentives and sup-
The new Cohesion Policy instruments pro-
port in order to innovate as they have limited
vide substantial funding for Member States
scope to make investments in environmental
technologies, and frequently require extra
support to be able to participate in joint
research programmes.
A number of EU instruments are available to
help SMEs comply with legislation, make more
eco-friendly products, use cleaner technology,
save energy or take part in research projects
(see box for an explanation of the instruments).
Although these are Community mechanisms,
national and regional authorities often man-
age and allocate funds.
The LIFE+ Programme, the EU’s main finan-
cial instrument for environmental projects,
includes in its priorities support for projects on

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An EcoStep in the right direction

EcoStep is an all-in-one, integrated environmental, quality and labour protection management system
designed for SMEs. For a modest additional cost, it also helps enterprises to qualify for EMAS, the EU Eco-
Management Audit Scheme (see box on page 14).
The new system will generate both economic and environmental benefits by reducing resource
consumption and optimising business processes. It will also raise awareness of environmental and labour
protection issues.
The EU-funded project seeks to make EcoStep a standard system for SMEs across Europe. A modified version,
EcoStep Viniculture, has been developed for small-scale grape growers.
EcoStep employs a novel financing scheme known as ‘management contracting’. This means that its
implementation costs are funded by the savings accrued from implementing the scheme.
The system was developed by the Hessen State Ministry for the Environment, Rural Areas and Consumer
Protection. It is funded by the EU’s LIFE programme which is the Union’s main funding mechanism to ensure
environmental policies are put into practice.
More information:
http://www.umwelt-unternehmen.bremen.de/Ecostep.html

for investments in environmental protection,

especially for SMEs. A large part of the envir-
onmental funding for SMEs will come from the
Structural Funds, particularly the European
Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion
Fund and the new European Social Fund.
Environmental investments have been identi-
fied as one of the main sectors for support
under JEREMIE (Joint European Resources
for Micro to Medium Enterprises).
This instrument, which began operat-
ing in 2007, allows Member States to use

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Structural Funds to set up (regional) financial be the main beneficiaries, either directly or
instruments for SMEs, including advisory and indirectly, of the Union’s Competitiveness
technical assistance, equity and venture capi- and Innovation Programme (CIP). Part of the
tal, and guarantees. programme focuses specifically on entrepre-
neurship and innovation – granting access to
Under state aid guidelines, Member States
finance for the start-up and growth of SMEs.
can grant transitional investment aid to help
The EU’s Seventh Framework Programme
SMEs adapt to EU environmental standards
for Research (FP7), its main funding pro-
not yet in force. They allow aid for investments
gramme for research, also prioritises envir-
in energy saving and for waste management,
onmental projects and encourages SMEs to
along with other initiatives.
participate.
SMEs can also benefit from EU programmes to
encourage research and innovation. They will

Paving the way to greener asphalt

Producing asphalt is dirty and energy guzzling. Conventional plants churn out vast amounts of asphalt-
coated products in order to ensure their own commercial viability. However, this is wasteful, particularly
when product recipes are changed. Wastage also occurs owing to difficulties in matching the various
elements of the process, while the inability to modulate burners and dryers effectively consumes a lot of
energy unnecessarily.
Smaller, more localised batch-heater plants overcome some of the problems connected to conventional
facilities, namely that they produce smaller batches of a wide range of products nearer the markets they are
destined for, thereby reducing the plant’s environmental footprint. Nevertheless, even these facilities are
highly polluting.
One demonstration project funded by the EU’s LIFE programme managed to come up with a plant that
used 75% less electricity and 30% less gas and fuel oil. Mixlance REF also slashed particulate emissions to
below 10 mg/m3 (less than a fifth of the UK’s new legal limit). In addition, the project managed to boost the
amount of recycled materials used in the production process by 50%.
More information:
http://www.mixlance.com/LIFE/

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CLEANAIR
This Norwegian project brought together SMEs and
the National Institute of Technology in Norway to
research technology to enhance air quality in urban
areas. The initiative, co-funded by the European
Union through the FP5 programme, successfully
developed two pieces of innovative equipment
to remove tiny particles from domestic chimney
emissions.
The first was a dust-removal system for domestic
solid fuel burners, with an efficiency level of over 90%.
The second was the creation of a miniaturised high-
voltage supply unit for the system; this proved to be
the greater challenge of the two.
In addition to the innovative technology developed,
the participating SMEs gained experience in
developing a network and will be able to collaborate
in the future.

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TAPPING EU FINANCIAL SOURCES

Various European Union financial instruments provide funding for environment-related projects and
initiatives. Below is a selection of the available opportunities:
LIFE+
LIFE+ is the EU’s main funding mechanism to ensure the implementation of environmental policies between
2007-2013. Companies apply directly to the EU for grants.
SMEs have been significant beneficiaries in previous LIFE programmes. For instance, some €30 million
were assigned in 2003-2004 to developing innovative techniques in businesses through demonstration
projects.
Structural and Cohesion Funds
There are a number of funds allocated by the European Union to support less-developed regions (Structural
Funds) and to help develop European infrastructure (Cohesion Funds). They account for a large part of total
EU funding and spending.
Both mechanisms, in particular the Structural Funds, allow for substantial investments in environmental
protection. Most of this funding is allocated and distributed by regional and local authorities.
JEREMIE
Introduced as part of the Cohesion Funds (2007-2013), the Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium
Enterprises (JEREMIE) programme allows Member States to set up financial instruments for SMEs at regional
level. Environmental initiatives have been identified as a priority. The European Commission, the European
Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund together provide the funds.
Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP)
The CIP (2007-2013) puts a strong emphasis on SMEs. Some €430 million is allocated for investments in eco-
innovation activities. The Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) sub-programme includes €727 million for energy
efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7)
FP7 (2007-2013) has an entire theme under its Co-operation programme dedicated to
the environment. SMEs are actively encouraged to enter and form consortia to apply for
FP7 funding.

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 Building expertise
W
here can SMEs go when they have ques-
tions about environmental legislation
and the opportunities available for their
businesses? In collaboration with existing support
organisations, the Commission is working to es-
tablish a network of experts spread across the EU
to advise businesses.
Without the luxury of in-house legal or environ-
mental staff, SMEs need to have access to out-
side expertise. The Commission is building up a
network of environmental experts in business-
support organisations throughout the EU.
ENV 7 1300 ECAP-brochure-EN.indd Sec3:22
These advisors can tell companies what their
legal requirements are and what benefits
they will gain from efforts to improve sustain-
ability. They can also help develop partner-
ships between businesses and enable SMEs
to access support programmes and funding
opportunities.
They will work proactively with SMEs to explain
the existing or new environmental legislation
that affects them, using the most effective
means, including on-site visits, websites, news-
letters, and seminars, to raise awareness about
environmental impacts and the benefits of a
proper environmental management system.
Building the network
Work to create the network began in 2007, with
a series of capacity-building seminars around
Europe. The audience comprised business-
support organisations, such as local business
associations – whether organised by district or
sector – or chambers of commerce.
The workshops presented both the legal re-
quirements and the benefits of improved envir-
onmental performance. One training module
concentrates on how to provide assistance to
SMEs – a reactive approach – whilst a second
gives training on a more proactive approach to
involving SMEs in environment policy beyond
compliance. The training modules are available
on the ECAP website.
30/04/08 9:00:58
 Small, Clean and Competitive

Building expertise

The events generated considerable interest
and were well attended by a range of organi-
sations that work with SMEs. Feedback from
participants stressed the practical nature of the
information and case studies used. Many also
appreciated that the event brought the main
support organisations together for the first
time to start dialogue and build up a network.
A core part of the support will come from the
new EU-wide business-support service that was
launched at the start of 2008 – the Enterprise
Europe Network (see box). The network in-
tegrates the services previously provided by
two organisations: the Euro Info Centres (EIC)
Network and the Innovation Relay Centres
(IRCs).

EUROPE’S COMPETITIVENESS AND INNOVATION GATEWAY

Under the slogan ‘business support at your doorstep’, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the gateway
to the EU’s massive single market for SMEs across Europe and beyond.
With over 600 partner organisations and 4000 experts in 40 countries, the EEN offers SMEs both local
knowledge and European expertise. It is a one-stop shop support network for enterprises seeking assistance
with business and innovation issues in the EU.
When it comes to the environment, the network provides expert support in such areas as green business
practice, sustainability, eco-innovation, locating business partners in other countries, complying with EU
environmental regulations, and pursuing funding opportunities.
The network also works to improve the relationship between the European Commission and business.
Network representatives provide the EU executive with regular feedback on European policy, the difficulties
SMEs face operating in the Single Market, and the effectiveness of the European programmes. All this helps
shape EU legislation into something more business-friendly and better able to stimulate future growth and
competitiveness.
The network is a major component of the EU’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP), one of
the three sub-programmes of the 2007-2013 Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP).
Although the EEN brand name is new, the network itself is not. It merges two highly successful networks – the
Innovation Relay Centre (IRC) and the Euro Info Centres (EIC) networks – to provide broader geographical
coverage and a wider range of service in order to fulfil its ‘no wrong door’ operation motto. This means that
whatever EU-related support an SME is seeking, it should be able to find it in its local EEN branch.
More information:
http://www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu/

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 Co m m u n i c a t i o n

ENV 7 1300 ECAP-brochure-EN.indd Sec3:24 30/04/08 9:01:01

 Small, Clean and Competitive

Communication

Getting the message across

B
etter information can help tackle the
general lack of awareness among SMEs
concerning environmental issues. So, ECAP
is developing a series of targeted information
tools to improve the situation.
Surveys from around the EU show that there is
general lack of awareness among SMEs about
environmental issues, and where knowledge
does exist, it is generally limited to concern
about safety or individual environmental
hazards.
Research from national authorities found
that some 70% of French SMEs admitted
to having little or no information about EU
environmental support tools such as environ-
mental management systems, energy-saving
measures or what fiscal incentives might be
available to them. In the UK, 95% of SMEs
said that they would like more information on
environmental matters.
ECAP aims to improve the situation by making
information accessible and easy to understand.
The programme website, available in seven
languages, is the contact point and informa-
tion hub for support networks on environmen-
tal policy and SMEs (see page 27). It acts as a
portal to the ECAP helpdesk which provides
information for support organisations.

Guiding SMEs through the environmental wilderness

SMEs often lack the know-how and expertise to improve their environmental performance and to comply
with environmental legislation. In the UK, the country’s regional environmental regulators team runs the
NetRegs on-line service (www.netregs.gov.uk).
The portal provides British enterprises with free guidance to the ins and outs of environmental regulations
in different parts of the UK and provides tips on how SMEs can reduce their environmental footprint, and
save money in the process.
The user-friendly guide offers information by business sector and environmental topic. It also explains key
EU legislation transposed into national law, such as the recent Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of
Chemicals (REACH) Regulation. The site hosts an extensive library of useful links, too.
An area of special attention at present concerns waste in the building sector. The ‘Site waste – it’s criminal’
campaign encourages construction companies to learn more about the importance and benefits of site
waste-management plans.

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 Small, Clean and Competitive

Communication

As well as providing details of expert contacts

throughout the EU, the website gives informa-
tion on the implementation of existing and
forthcoming environmental legislation, avail-
able environmental management tools and
funding opportunities.
It also provides a selection of good practices,
links to national initiatives and tool kits to help
SMEs. Further tool kits will be available in the
future.
A monthly ECAP e-alert and newsletter pro-
duced three times per year give updates on
the latest developments in the programme
and issues on SMEs and the environment.

A big plus for the environment

Since 1994, PBE+ has been working to build a critical mass among SMEs in Brittany (FR) on the environmental
front by helping them to network and share experience and know-how. It seeks to raise their awareness of
the environmental impacts of industrial activity. The initiative also promotes environmental management
systems and cleaner, greener technologies and remediation.
Run by the Brittany Regional Council and other local authorities, this initiative offers hands-on assistance
to SMEs to carry out their own environmental self-diagnoses. Support includes free two-day training sessions
and tailored advice (on environmental legislation, ISO 14001 or clean technologies, etc.). Larger events are
held regularly to inform SMEs about legislation and technical schemes to prevent industrial pollution.
PBE+ has been a major success. Over 2000 company representatives have taken part in training sessions
and more than 800 environmental self-diagnoses have been undertaken by SMEs.
http://www.performance-bretagne.net/index.php

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 Small, Clean and Competitive

Communication

ON THE WEB
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/sme
The dedicated ECAP website contains the
information that small and medium-sized en-
terprises (SMEs) need in order to address the
environmental impacts of their activities and
meet legal requirements.
The site gives straightforward information in
seven languages on legislation, and tells busi-
nesses how they can take action and where to
find support or access to expertise.
The website gives details of:
The ECAP programme and how it works
News and developments on SMEs and the
environment
Which areas of EU and national environ-
mental legislation are relevant for SMEs and
where to find more information
Funding opportunities that exist across the
EU for businesses to improve their environ-
mental performances
Case studies of successful actions
Details of ECAP training seminars around
Europe
Contact details for local environmental
experts and support organisations around
Europe
On-line tool kits.

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 MORE INFORMATION:
There are numerous on-line sources with more information about SMEs and the
environment.
The following EU sites may be useful:
The ECAP programme website (available in seven languages):
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/sme
The Enterprise Europe Network:
http://www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu
The European Portal for SMEs (available in 21 languages):
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sme
LIFE+ (the Financial Instrument for the Environment):
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life
Information on SMEs and the Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7):
http://ec.europa.eu/research/sme-techweb/index_en.cfm
Eco-innovation and the EU’s Competitiveness and Innovation Programme:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/ecoinnovation
JEREMIE:
http://www.eif.org/jeremie/
Frequently asked questions on EU environment policies:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/faqs.htm
ECAP glossary:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/sme/glossary/glossary_en.htm
Multilingual environmental glossary of the European Environment Agency:
http://glossary.eea.europa.eu/
European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of
Environmental Law:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/impel/index.htm

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