The green transformation is still a key element of the European strategy aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This process will be associated with huge investments. According to Poland’s energy policy until 2040 (PEP2040)implementation of energy projects necessary for the decarbonization of the economy will consume funds of up to PLN 1.6 trillion.
SME sector and challenges related to sustainable development
Importantly, the requirement to introduce pro -ecological changes is increasingly not limited to large companies. It also applies to small and medium -sized enterprises dominating in our country. Their importance for the Polish economy is increasing every year. According to last year’s data, the Central Statistical Office operates with us nearly 43.5 thousand. companies from the SME sector. They are employers for over 2.1 million people, and their generated revenues are over PLN 1.1 trillion.
Report prepared by Santander Bank Polska “Green transformation and SME – how to get a competitive advantage?” It shows that the introduction of sustainable development principles does not have to be an unpleasant necessity resulting from regulation. On the contrary, it can be a real added value for business. The authors argue that these changes should be approached as a strategic direction that can bring to the company permanent development, increase operational efficiency, open new markets and strengthen the company’s reputation.
The report also presents practical tips on how companies can effectively implement sustainable activities in their business. Examples of strategies and tools are discussed, helping in creating products and services, as well as specific studies in cases of companies from the food, automotive or plastics. For some enterprises, the transformation meant thermomodernization of buildings, for others the purchase of energy -saving machines, for subsequent processing – for reuse – waste.
Santander Bank Polska offers financial and advisory support
– The Santander Bank Polska report shows that the SME industry has a chance to use the introduced changes to strengthen its position on the market. But It is key to start acting now. For now, as our research shows, only a third of company owners intend to achieve its goals related to decarbonization. On the other hand, the same percentage of people believe that their enterprise’s activity does not have a major impact on the climate. That is why education is so important. It should be shown to business that the green transformation is really profitable. Investments in sustainable development and environmentally friendly technologies can not only improve competitiveness, but also minimize the risk associated with climate regulations. Santander Bank Polska offers financial and advisory support that will allow companies to smoothly pass through this process. It also provides free tools, such as a coal trail calculator, which allows the company to estimate and generate an emission report – says Lech Gałkowski, member of the board of Santander Bank Polska, who manages the division of business and corporate banking.
Small and medium -sized enterprises in Poland are facing a unique opportunity related to the transformation towards sustainable development. The adaptation of sustainable practices not only strengthens social and ecological responsibility, but also opens the way to long -term success and building a competitive advantage. As key participants of global supply chains, SMEs can significantly increase their operational efficiency and strengthen the market reputation. KPMG analyzes confirm that this is a real opportunity-some companies have already noticed the potential of sustainable development and use it successfully-says Justyna Wysocka-Golec, partner, leader of the Corporate ESG, Climate and Nature in KPMG in Poland.
Our experience shows that many enterprises are afraid of challenges related to sustainable development. Meanwhile, the report shows that this megatrend can become a lever of development – stimulates the search for innovation in products, business models or supply chain. It also helps build resistance to key environmental and social risks. Therefore, this is not an unpleasant duty, but an investment that can bring measurable business, social and environmental benefits-adds Anna Grygiel-Tomaszewska, director at the Corporate ESG, Climate and Nature team at KPMG in Poland.
As the data of the National Bank of Poland show, The SME sector in Poland is currently approaching the green transformation very carefully. As much as 70 percent do not benefit from renewable energy. surveyed companies, and nearly 60 percent It does not change and does not plan to change his energy mix.
Green transformation – a chance for success
According to the authors of the report “Green transformation and SME – how to get a competitive advantage?”sustainable development puts a number of challenges – both regulatory and market -based enterprises. Despite this, companies that decide to invest in new technologies and optimize their processes can come out of this process with great benefits. Properly conducted changes will allow them – thanks to effective management of energy and resources – to reduce operating costs, as well as to improve competitiveness. Enterprises that adapt to the requirements of sustainable development will not only gain an advantage on the market, but also build a positive image in the eyes of consumers and investors. Transformations related to green transformation can also increase the chances of small and medium -sized enterprises to obtain additional financial resources on preferential terms.
Report “Green transformation and SME – how to get a competitive advantage?” Prepared by Santander Bank Polska in cooperation with KPMG can be downloaded entirely at: www.santander.pl/lp/zielona-transformacja
