The GEAR@SME project puts energy efficiency on the map for SMEs. This is done by working together with the local trusted partner, such as an association of entrepreneurs or park management organization. Together a bridge is being built from the entrepreneurs to energy saving. The project is aimed at supporting these trusted partners in this process. Right now, we’re very pleased to announce that we’re starting a pilot!
The pilot can start in Meierijstad!
GEAR@SME is an international project, but we have also taken major steps in the Netherlands specifically. After all, at the start of the project, it was not yet known which concrete case we would be working on to test our method. In Platform Ondernemend Meierijstad (POM) we have found a very suitable partner to test the method on the industrial estates in the municipality of Meierijstad. Jos van Asten shows why POM is so suitable: “We work for the 900 members of four business associations in the municipality of Meierijstad. The 900 affiliated entrepreneurs are mainly located on business parks and have a total of 27,000 employees within the municipal boundaries and about 100,000 in total. The differences in size, industry, maturity and housing between the companies are enormous. For example, the head offices of Jumbo, Vanderlande, Mars and Sligro are located in Meierijstad, but we also work for freelancers and small SMEs such as contractors, machine builders and service providers. ” So there is no lack of variation, which is only positive for a large project like GEAR@SME!
Opportunities
Van Asten sees many opportunities in older buildings on business parks: “Almost every new or renovated building meets the most current sustainability requirements. Solar panels, extra insulation, LED lighting and heat recovery are the rule rather than the exception. How different is that for older buildings, rental properties or business accommodation and the business environment that has not been recently built or renovated. We want to unburden the latter group in particular with meaningful, up-to-date and cost-saving tips & tricks. In this way, they too can make their buildings more sustainable and save energy and CO2 emissions. In this way, everyone can benefit from energy savings and contribute to a beautiful and sustainable future for enterprising Meierijstad. ”
The added value of a trusted partner is immediately clear to Van Asten. He is enthusiastic about the GEAR@SME approach: “Apart from methods, knowledge and existing ‘tools’, personal contact, trust and a common interest in this is a great added value. These things all come together in the approach described by GEAR@SME. Both in time and in method, this approach is in line with the sustainability objectives that we recently set together with the municipality. I am therefore confident that we will jointly take great steps within this project towards a sustainable, enterprising and energetic Meierijstad.”
Working together
In addition to POM, two other park management organizations are also involved in the project. They monitor progress closely and are enthusiastic about putting the developed method into practice. Moreover, we can use their experiences to further refine our approach. After all, together we learn the most! Ultimately, the goal is to apply this to as many industrial estates as possible, so that maximum benefit is obtained from the developed approach. Do you want to follow the progress of the project or make use of our useful toolbox? Please contact us!
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3 December 2020 / Author:
