Knowledge Identifying high-impact and scalable projects to prioritize can be a challenging task even for experienced operations leaders, especially if they lack a background in managing eco-efficiency or sustainability-focused initiatives. This challenge is even more pronounced for SMEs and mid-sized companies, which often operate with limited resources and internal expertise. To bridge this gap, support from both the public and private sectors is essential. Governments, industry associations and larger corporations can play a critical role by providing access to knowledge, tools and best practices. Examples of tailored tools for SMEs and mid-sized companies BOX 3 There are several practical tools that can help SMEs and mid-sized companies understand how to approach the sustainability endeavour. –Energy Kaizen19 is a platform offering a free Energy Savings Insight Report tool that recommends energy-saving projects for SMEs, tailored by industry sector, with average energy savings data. –EvanAll20 provides videos, webinars and a Brains Not Wallets Accelerator that offers workshops and peer-to-peer learning on integrating sustainability into operations to unlock savings. –The I-GO Tool provided by the Green Industry Platform21 suggests key focus areas for companies to set or advance sustainability goals by completing a quick evaluation form, with recommendations based on industry sector knowledge. –The World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders22 developed a guided net-zero journey for SMEs, covering internal alignment, climate targets, systemic mitigation actions and engaging suppliers and stakeholders. Many large corporations are training smaller manufacturers in their supply chains on sustainable practices, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction and green technologies. Through collaboration, they help smaller manufacturers adopt eco-friendly operations, enhance cost savings and strengthen supply chains for a greener future. Schneider Electric launched the Zero Carbon Project23 in 2021 to help its top suppliers reduce operational emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) intensity by 50% by 2025 – a critical step towards its broader goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Through training, digital tools and tailored support, the initiative helps suppliers measure emissions, set targets and implement reduction strategies. More than 1,000 suppliers have joined, achieving a 42% operational emissions intensity reduction by Q1 of 2025, with 70% assessing their carbon footprint for the first time. Network Networks – including those formed among SMEs and mid-sized companies as well as broader ecosystems of public institutions, corporates, financial institutions and solution providers – play a critical role in advancing environmental sustainability. By connecting with peers, SMEs and mid-sized companies can learn from real-world case studies, exchange methodologies and collaborate on shared challenges. At the same time, being part of a wider ecosystem enables SMEs to tap into support from government programmes, sustainability experts, investors and technology partners. Together, these networks create an enabling environment in which SMEs are empowered to take meaningful action and scale their impact.The SME Climate Hub24 has a regional hub network through which SMEs can connect with peers who are working on sustainability in their region. The Circular Economy Leaders’ Community,25 established by the Green Industry Platform, enables businesses to connect with others that are either launching circular business models or offering circularity-related services. Vital activities include mapping and connecting circular initiatives to clarify who is doing what and how, co-developing a shared circular economy language through a common knowledge taxonomy and building a digital system to integrate and streamline circular economy knowledge platforms and hubs. Sustainability Meets Growth: A Roadmap for SMEs and Mid-Sized Manufacturers 20

Sustainability Meets Growth 2025