In light of the EC Circular Economy Package, the European Investment Bank (EIB), as the EU bank, aims to support the transition to a circular economy (CE), in particular in the EU, but also in other parts of the world.
Small and medium-sized enterprises can receive financial support in the form of innovation vouchers for their innovation projects that bring concrete results and have real impact on the market. The scheme comprises a wide range of innovative activities including those that result in energy and/or material savings, and so increased resource efficiency.
The innovation vouchers can amount to a value of € 11 000. The company pays 10 % of the amount to relevant research institute, and receives the rest from the government. The subsidy falls under de minimis regime.
The Catalogue of Saving Measures is a web-based overview of building-related energy-saving measures in the form of a publicly accessible database created by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Association of Energy Specialists. It is intended for users who prepare and implement energy-saving projects for any type of building (from residential to industrial).
Green Key is a voluntary eco-label awarded to thousands of hotels and other establishments in 57 countries.
The Expansion Programme offers Czech small and medium-sized enterprises outside of Prague interest-free investment loans up to 45 % of eligible costs, ranging from CZK 1 to 45 million. They can be used to purchase machines, equipment and technology, including ones for increasing resource efficiency, as well as to finance projects on material and energy waste recovery. The loans have a seven-year maturity with the option of postponing principal repayments up to 3.5 years.
The Energy Savings programme offers SMEs and large businesses interest-free loans to finance their energy-saving projects anywhere in the Czech Republic outside of the capital city of Prague. The projects have to bring at least 10 % energy savings, and can include building insulation, changing lighting, replacing boilers, installing energy regulators, using waste heat or renewable energy sources, etc.
This tool aims to make it easier for company managers to include corporate social responsibility (CSR) in strategic planning.
CSR is monitored in five areas: economic, employment, environmental, social and organisational management. The questionnaire from which the CSR report is generated comprises 33 questions. After filling it in, the tool generates valuable insight and creates a model of CSR maturity at the organisation.
The Private Finance for Energy Efficiency (PF4EE) instrument is a joint agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission, which aims to address the limited access to adequate and affordable commercial financing for energy efficiency investments.
The instrument targets projects which support the implementation of National Energy Efficiency Action Plans or other energy efficiency programmes of EU Member States. The instrument’s two core objectives are to:
The Inneon network for eco-innovation investment aims to extend public and private funding sources available for eco-innovation and social innovation in Europe, and provide a unique forum dedicated to the interaction between a select cohort of innovators and relevant investors.
Innovators and investors can join the network providing access to pan-European markets to improve the quality of deals and allow for efficient matching of entrepreneurs and investors.
The Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in the Centre Val de Loire region offers support programmes, awareness-raising, training sessions, information exchanges, and expert advice to companies on ecodesign.
Training activities include information on life-cycle analysis tools, ecodesign project management and methods, how to interpret results and develop action plans to reduce environmental impact and increase energy and resource savings.