Frequently asked questions
What is the CONFESS project about ?
CONFESS is a three-year project initiated and supported by the European Union, led by a consortium spanning across the Czech Republic, Germany and Italy. The primary objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive certification scheme specifically tailored for clean energy Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Building upon the EU Taxonomy, which serves as a foundation for sustainable economic activities, the certification scheme developed by CONFESS goes a step further. It and incorporates additional advanced energy-related metrics to effectively assess environmental sustainability of these SMEs. By utilising a combination of the EU taxonomy and supplementary metrics, the certification scheme aims to provide a more holistic and robust evaluation of the SMEs’ environmental performance.
Through the implementation of this certification scheme, CONFESS seeks to enhance access to sustainable financing for clean energy SMEs. By establishing a reliable and standardised framework, the project aims to facilitate the assessment of the sustainability of energy investments, thereby promoting the growth of sustainable energy initiatives.
What is the EU Taxonomy?
The EU Taxonomy is a fundamental component of the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Strategy, which comprises three pillars: the EU Taxonomy, the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The EU Taxonomy serves as a standardised framework to guide sustainable investments in European capital markets. It establishes clear criteria and definitions for identifying and categorising economic activities that are considered "green" or environmentally sustainable. By providing a common language and classification system, the EU Taxonomy aims to steer financial flows towards companies and projects that make positive contributions to environmental objectives. It plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the financial sector, aligning investments with the EU's green economic and climate goals.
Who are the key stakeholders impacted by the project?
The project has a significant impact on several key stakeholders, including financial institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in clean energy activities, as well as relevant industry associations and certification bodies in Czech Republic, Germany and Italy. These stakeholders play crucial roles in the successful implementation and adoption of the certification scheme developed by the project. Financial institutions rely on the scheme to assess the sustainability of their energy investments, while SMEs benefit from increased access to sustainable financing. Additionally, industry associations and certification bodies contribute to shaping and ensuring the effectiveness of the certification process. The active involvement and collaboration of these stakeholders are instrumental in achieving the project's objectives and promoting the growth of sustainable energy investments.
Where can I access project reports and publications?
All reports and publications can be found on our website within the dedicated section called "News & Publications." This section serves as a centralised platform for sharing the latest updates, analysis, research reports, and other valuable resources related to the project. By visiting this section on our website, you will have access to a wealth of information and insights, keeping you informed about the progress and outcomes of our project.
Can I participate or endorse in the project?
Absolutely! We highly value stakeholder engagement and consider it a vital component of our project. If you are interested in actively supporting us by sharing your expertise, contribute your knowledge, or participating in pilot programs, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with us. Your involvement and insights are invaluable in shaping the development and success of the project. Please contact us, and we will provide you with further information on how you can participate and make a valuable contribution to our efforts.
How can clean energy SMEs participate in the pilot testing of the certification scheme?
Clean energy SMEs interested in participating in the pilot testing of the certification scheme can actively engage with the CONFESS project team. They can express their interest in becoming pilot participants and collaborating in the development and refinement of the certification process. Clean energy SMEs have the opportunity to provide valuable insights, feedback, and data that contribute to shaping a certification scheme that meets their needs. By participating in the pilot testing, SMEs can play a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness and feasibility of the certification scheme for their sector.
How can associations and certification bodies contribute to the development and success of the certification scheme?
Associations and certification bodies play a crucial role in the development and success of the certification scheme. They can contribute their expertise, knowledge, and insights to shape the certification process and ensure its alignment with industry standards. Associations can provide valuable sector-specific insights and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. Certification bodies can contribute their experience in developing and implementing certification schemes, ensuring robust verification processes and adherence to established standards. By actively engaging with associations and certification bodies, the project team can benefit from their input and expertise, fostering a collaborative approach towards achieving a successful and widely accepted certification scheme.
What are the benefits of obtaining the Clean Energy SME Certification?
Obtaining the Certification of clean energy SMEs offers several benefits. It enhances the credibility and visibility of clean energy SMEs, making them more attractive to potential investors and financial institutions. The certification serves as a recognised standard for assessing the environmental sustainability of these SMEs, giving them a competitive advantage in the market. Additionally, it facilitates access to sustainable financing options, enabling SMEs to fund their clean energy initiatives and support their growth.
How will the certification scheme developed by CONFESS contribute to the growth of sustainable energy investments?
The certification scheme developed by CONFESS will play a vital role in promoting the growth of sustainable energy investments. By providing a standardised and reliable framework for assessing the sustainability of clean energy SMEs, the certification scheme instils confidence in investors and financial institutions. It simplifies the screening process, allowing financial market participants to identify viable and sustainable energy investments more efficiently. This, in turn, encourages increased funding and support for clean energy initiatives, fostering the growth of sustainable energy investments.
What is the timeline for the development and implementation of the certification scheme?
he certification scheme development and implementation span a three-year period within the CONFESS project. The exact timeline may vary based on project milestones and progress. The project team aims to conduct thorough research, engage with stakeholders, and undertake pilot testing to refine and finalise the certification scheme. Regular updates will be provided on the project's website and through communication channels to keep stakeholders informed about the timeline and key milestones achieved.
How can financial institutions use the certification scheme to assess the sustainability of their energy investments?
Financial institutions can utilise the certification scheme as a valuable tool for assessing the sustainability of their energy investments. The scheme provides clear criteria and metrics, building upon the EU taxonomy and incorporating advanced energy-related metrics. By aligning their investments with the certification scheme, financial institutions can ensure that their portfolios include environmentally sustainable clean energy SMEs. The certification scheme serves as a reliable and standardised means of evaluating the sustainability performance of these SMEs, aiding financial institutions in making informed investment decisions.
What criteria and metrics are incorporated into the certification scheme to determine environmental sustainability?
The certification scheme incorporates a range of criteria and metrics to assess the environmental sustainability of clean energy SMEs. It builds upon the EU Taxonomy as a foundation and incorporates additional advanced energy-related metrics. These criteria and metrics encompass various aspects, such as greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency, renewable energy generation, waste management, and other relevant environmental factors. By considering a comprehensive set of criteria, the certification scheme provides a holistic evaluation of the environmental sustainability performance of clean energy SMEs.
Are there any financial incentives or benefits associated with obtaining the Clean Energy SME Certification?
While specific financial incentives may vary, obtaining the Clean Energy SME Certification can bring several benefits to certified SMEs. It enhances their reputation and credibility among potential investors and financial institutions, making them more attractive for sustainable financing opportunities. Access to sustainable financing can provide SMEs with the necessary resources to support their clean energy initiatives, fuel growth, and expand their market presence. Additionally, the certification may open doors to new business opportunities and partnerships within the sustainable energy sector.
Will the certification scheme be recognised and accepted by regulatory authorities and investors in the EU?
The aim of the certification scheme is to become widely recognised and accepted by regulatory authorities and investors in the EU. By aligning with the EU taxonomy and incorporating advanced energy-related metrics, the scheme seeks to meet the standards and requirements set forth by regulatory authorities. It is designed to provide investors with reliable and transparent information on the environmental sustainability of clean energy SMEs. While recognition and acceptance will be an ongoing process, the project team is committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure the certification scheme's credibility and adoption.
Will the certification scheme be applicable to clean energy SMEs outside the pilot regions of Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic?
While the initial focus of the certification scheme is on the pilot regions of Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic, the long-term goal is to expand its applicability to clean energy SMEs across the EU. The scheme aims to become a widely used tool for assessing the sustainability of energy investments in the EU. As the project progresses and gains momentum, efforts will be made to replicate and adapt the scheme in other EU countries, ensuring broader coverage and impact.
