The topic of sustainability is relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises, at least on paper. With the implementation it still hapert, as the Gothaer SME study 2023 shows.
Global warming, increasing severe weather disasters and scarce resources - against the background of these events, the topic of sustainability is gaining in importance. 78 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) consider the sustainable transformation of SMEs relevant, but hesitate to implement it themselves. Most also do not even know how sustainable they are, a study by Gothaer Versicherungen has found.
On behalf of the insurance group, the market research institute Heute und morgen GmbH surveyed German SMEs online in the second half of January on current trends and topics relating to SMEs, including the topic of sustainability and its implementation. The survey was conducted for the ninth time. 1,023 people who are responsible for the topic of insurance in their company took part.
On the results of the Gothaer SME Study 2023:
- CO2 emissions: As in the previous year, so far only 16 percent of SMEs have had their CO2 emissions determined. This means conversely: 84 percent do not know him. - Measures to reduce CO2 emissions: 37 percent of the companies surveyed are planning measures to reduce it, regardless of their level of knowledge of the company's own CO2 emissions. This is 3 percentage points less than in the survey the year before. They rely primarily on the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, on the reduction of their electricity consumption, or they install PV systems. - Reasons for sustainability: The biggest role in the decision for more sustainability in the company plays its own conviction (2023: 41 percent; 2022: 38 percent). Other reasons are of a strategic nature: Thus, 31 percent (2022: 33 percent) of the SMEs surveyed expect a sustainable orientation to make them more attractive to customers. 29 percent (2022: 31 percent) hope for a better corporate image. - Savings potentials seen: Especially in the energy supply (59 percent) SMEs recognize savings potentials in terms of sustainability. In second place follows with 46 percent the environmentally conscious purchase of goods and services. Significantly fewer companies than in the previous year are focusing on sustainable mobility in their vehicle fleets (2023: 32 percent; 2022: 40 percent) or saving on business travel (2023: 31 percent, 2022: 34 percent). One in three companies is trying to reduce emissions from its buildings.
"Many companies see the great importance of sustainability," concludes Thomas Bischof. However, they often lack the necessary know-how on how and where processes can be aligned sustainably, according to the CEO of Gothaer Allgemeine.
