Environmental Awareness and Management Competencies in the SME Sector According to various sources, as many as 70% of all employees work in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the sector's vital role in the economy. At the same time, statistics show that nearly one-third of SMEs fail within their first year of operation.
Businesses that stay informed about emerging market trends, understand customer behaviour, and assess their impact on the environment and society are better equipped to understand both the internal and external context of their operations. This enables them not only to respond more effectively to change but also to reduce the risk of business failure by building strong, long-term relationships with stakeholders.
The publication "Environmental Awareness and Management Competencies in the SME Sector: An Analysis of Practices, Barriers, and Development Potential", authored by Prof. Marek Bugdol and PhD Grzegorz Kądzielawski, presents the findings of quantitative and qualitative research conducted among SMEs. The report examines the level of environmental awareness, organizational readiness to implement ESG solutions, competency gaps among management teams, and the potential for developing green skills within businesses. It also provides recommendations for business support organizations, educational institutions, and public administration.
Global climate challenges require decisive action to advance decarbonization, demanding both effective climate risk management and substantial financial investment. As a key player in risk management and capital allocation, the insurance sector supports the transition to a low-carbon economy through a wide range of financial instruments and insurance solutions. The authors of the report demonstrate that insurers, as major investors and strategic partners, play an indispensable role in the decarbonization process. Beyond providing protection against climate-related risks, they also support the financing and development of innovative technologies that are essential for building a sustainable future.
It is estimated that implementing AI solutions in the industrial sector could reduce global CO₂ emissions by approximately 4 gigatonnes per year by 2030.
We are pleased to present a report prepared by experts from the Green Industry Foundation and the AI Research Institute at WSB University on the use of artificial intelligence in the industrial decarbonization process.
The report's authors - Prof. Marcin Lis and PhD Grzegorz Kądzielawski - provide an in-depth analysis of the role of artificial intelligence in industrial decarbonization. They also examine specific use cases, identify key challenges, and explore the opportunities created by integrating AI technologies across critical industrial sectors. The report concludes with recommendations for both central government and businesses.
Our guide has been developed to help business leaders better understand the EU Taxonomy—a key framework supporting the climate transition across the European Union. The EU Taxonomy establishes criteria for determining whether an economic activity can be considered environmentally sustainable. On the one hand, it creates a common understanding of sustainability, enhances the credibility of organizations that meet its requirements, and provides guidance for those embarking on their sustainability journey. On the other, it helps direct capital towards investments, products, and activities that contribute to environmental and social objectives.