EnergyEfficiency4HORECA

The EU project EE4HORECA aims to increase energy efficiency measures in SMEs across the HORECA value chain (hotels, restaurants, catering). The aim is to improve the competences of technical staff and management within the company and to take advantage of cooperation between large and small companies throughout the HORECA value chain.

The HORECA sector accounts for 8% of global energy consumption, making it one of the more energy-intensive sectors. While the larger companies in the sector have for the most part already taken important steps to implement measures in terms of energy efficiency and (social) sustainability for employees and customers, SMEs need more support here in order to remain competitive.

Within the project, 10,000 stakeholders are to be reached and informed about the initiative and the tools provided.

Period: September 2023 to August 2026

Activities

Over the course of three years, the project aims to enhance energy efficiency capacity within SMEs through a range of initiatives, including webinars, self-assessment tools, and guidance on accessing finance.

The aim is to identify effective energy efficiency measures tailored to each targeted sector which are then implemented at selected companies by audits and by support for their capacity-building efforts. Additionally, a self-assessment option is available to companies via the Impawatt energy efficiency knowledge platform.

Beyond technical assistance, the project also helps companies to identify suitable funding opportunities in each country. The platform’s financial section features a tool that matches businesses with customized funding options aligned with their energy efficiency projects.

EIW, as the only Austrian partner, does not actively advise and coach Austrian SMEs of the HORECA value chain, but advises the consortium e.g. with good practice examples from Austria or motivation trainings.