Sustainability

Since the European Commission launched the Green Deal, sustainability has become a key issue across all sectors. Companies are receiving inquiries about their sustainability performance—from customers, suppliers, OEMs, partners in the supply chain, financiers, employees, and potential applicants. They are bombarded with buzzwords such as the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), CSRD, sustainability reporting, and EU taxonomy, which require resources to deal with. 

But what does an SME really have to do, and what can—or should—it do? 

Bavarian SMEs receive expert support from their Bavarian partners in the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN): 

A great starting point is the Sustainability Assessment (CSN) offered or the other assessments offered by Bayern Innovativ: During the guided assessment, you will gain a clear understanding of which sustainability aspects are relevant to your company. Your individual status quo is thoroughly evaluated: Which sustainability topics are you already addressing effectively, and where is room for improvement? This free service for Bavarian SMEs concludes with tailored recommendations for action and offers optional followup support during implementation—for example, with CE marking, partner searches, or patent consulting. 

The Auftragsberatungszentrum Bayern (ABZ) advises SMEs and public contracting authorities on sustainable procurement. It also offers workshops and webinars on sustainable public procurement, covering legal frameworks and various ways to integrate sustainability criteria into procurement processes. SMEs wishing to participate in sustainable public tenders receive guidance on preparing their bids, including suitability requirements and formal criteria. 

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) supports SMEs and researchers in competing for European funding for research, development, and innovation—particularly on sustainability topics. This topic is strategically important for the EU, as various applications involve, for example, calculating greenhouse gas balances, achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, or contributing to the EU Green Deal Calls for proposals relevant to SMEs deal with topics such as sustainable and digital urban planning, green technologies, energy efficiency, mobility, and the circular economy. BayFOR provides support in both the preparation and development of EU funding applications. 

Bayern Handwerk International offers a fact sheet on the legal framework for the disposal of construction waste in France and is happy to assist Bavarian craft businesses with questions on sustainability topics in the EU. 

The BIHK Service GmbH – Foreign Trade Center Bavaria provides online services with information on sustainability, the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, and global sourcing, thereby supporting SMEs on their way to implementing their sustainability strategy. 

The Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria as part of its involvement in the Enterprise Europe Network, supports craft businesses in internationalization and all matters concerning international business. In particular, the environmental consulting service of the HWK Munich and Upper Bavaria helps to make craft businesses sustainable and future-proof. 

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria (CCI) informs companies about current developments, key elements, and available services relating to corporate sustainability and environmental management and offers free initial consultations. The focus topics range from the key areas of sustainability management, sustainability reporting, and sustainable supply chain management to climate and environmental protection and the circular economy.