An Empirical Investigation of Barriers, Drivers and Practices for Energy Efficiency in Primary Metals Manufacturing SMEs

Abstract

Despite the well-known need for increased industrial energy efficiency, several studies indicate that energy efficiency measures are little implemented, especially in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, to sustain the development of the effective policies, a better understanding of the barriers to be tackled and the drivers to be promoted is crucial. To do so, we have performed an investigation within 64 primary metal manufacturing SMEs located in a Northern Italy province. The adoption of energy management practices among the sample is scarce: indeed, consumption monitoring, energy data analysis, programs of staff training and motivation are barely implemented. The analysis highlights the relevance of economic and information barriers, suggesting that, beside the issue of capital availability, information about technology, regulations and opportunities for financing are perceived as complicated, fragmented or not trustworthy, especially those coming from government and financial institutions. Moreover, barriers affect mostly the first steps of the decision-making process, i.e. those related to the awareness and identification of the punctual measure to be adopted. With exception of smaller firms, start-up and training are not perceived as critical. All external drivers are perceived as more relevant than internal ones. Nonetheless, beside the primary role of economic drivers, the study shows that SMEs look also for increased information on energy efficiency solutions, with greater role played by their energy suppliers, manufacturers and technology suppliers. Finally, particular relevance is given to training, suggesting that greater attention should be paid in the increased competences that manufacturers, technology suppliers and installers should hand over to their final industrial users.