Impuls Zeeland - Encouraging energy savings for SMEs in Zeeland

Many SMEs in Zeeland do not prioritize energy saving despite its financial and sustainability benefits. Most focus on grid congestion and electrification rather than reducing consumption. This study aims to identify barriers and needs, providing insights for targeted support, policy recommendations, and practical tools. The project contributes to sustainability goals, including CO₂ reduction and efficient energy use, supporting SDG.

Impuls Zeeland - Encouraging energy savings for SMEs in Zeeland

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About this project

Start date:	02/03/2025
Project description:	Commissioned by Impuls Zeeland this project aims to discover why energy saving is not yet an obvious priority for SMEs in Zeeland, despite available support and financial benefits. Impuls found out that many SMEs in Zeeland do not prioritize energy saving despite its financial and sustainability benefits. Most focus on grid congestion and electrification rather than reducing consumption. This study aims to identify barriers and needs, providing insights for targeted support, policy recommendations, and practical tools. Most questions Impuls now receives are about grid congestion and electrification, while energy saving can be an immediate and often cost-saving solution. Therefore, Impuls likes to gain insight into what companies need in order to see energy saving as a priority and start working on it. The main focus for this project revolves around SME's in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Outcomes:	Our research confirms that while many tourism businesses recognize the importance of energy conservation, significant barriers—particularly financial constraints and regulatory restrictions—prevent widespread implementation of energy-saving measures. Despite the willingness of small accommodations to adopt sustainability practices, they often lack the necessary resources to make impactful changes, while larger hotels tend to deprioritize energy efficiency due to other operational considerations. A key takeaway is that municipalities and policymakers should provide clearer regulatory guidance and financial incentives to encourage businesses to invest in energy efficiency. By addressing legal obstacles that prevent renovations in historically protected buildings and offering subsidies or grants, local authorities can play a crucial role in enabling change. Additionally, fostering partnerships between hotels and sustainability experts can bridge knowledge gaps and facilitate more accessible solutions. Furthermore, raising awareness and education within the tourism sector is essential. Hotels, both large and small, could benefit from workshops, training programs, and case studies showcasing successful energy-saving initiatives. Encouraging best practices and knowledge-sharing among businesses can foster a collective movement toward sustainability. Ultimately, a collaborative effort between tourism accommodations, local authorities, and sustainability organizations is essential to drive energy conservation forward. Small, incremental changes, such as optimizing heating and cooling systems or using energy-efficient lighting, can have a cumulative positive effect. By addressing existing barriers and promoting gradual, manageable changes, the tourism sector in Zeeland and beyond can make meaningful progress toward more sustainable energy use. Through persistence, innovation, and strategic collaboration, the industry can move toward a more environmentally responsible future while maintaining operational efficiency and financial viability.
Commissioned for:

Tim van der Knaap (Impuls Zeeland)
Hans Koster (Impuls Zeeland)