Sustainability in European SMEs: a comparison between Italy, Spain, and Germany

In the context of the European Green Deal, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in the decarbonization process. While large companies are the main emitters of CO2 in absolute terms, SMEs represent 98% of the EU's business fabric and, therefore, have a greater collective responsibility. The EU has set the goal of becoming the first zero-emission continent by 2050, with emissions reduced by at least 55% by 2030. This requires a profound transformation that cannot be accomplished without the involvement of SMEs. Medium-sized enterprises with over 50 employees show greater environmental awareness compared to smaller ones, with a four percentage point difference in concrete actions taken to reduce environmental impact. The adoption of ESG practices is not just an obligation but a strategic choice that affects competitiveness, reputation, and access to public funds.

As reported by the article from Econopoly, the motivations driving SMEs to adopt sustainable practices vary from country to country. In Spain, 47% of SMEs adopt sustainable practices to comply with stringent environmental regulations, indicating an especially active regulatory environment. In Germany, however, only 26% of companies are driven by regulatory obligations: a corporate culture oriented towards self-regulation prevails, where sustainability is integrated into strategies without legislative impositions. Italy, finally, presents the most interesting data: only 15% of SMEs comply due to legal obligations, while the majority do so voluntarily, driven by aspects such as corporate values, cost optimization, and reputational issues. This shows how sustainability, for Italian SMEs, is increasingly a conscious and integrated business mission choice, rather than an external constraint to adhere to.

In Italy, sustainability is confirmed as a strategic lever for business growth and competitiveness. 38% of Italian SMEs reduce their carbon footprint to contain operating costs or to align with their corporate values. 28% do so to strengthen their brand reputation. This is a proactive vision where environmental efficiency translates into a competitive advantage, customer loyalty, and the attraction of new market segments increasingly attentive to the social and environmental impact of businesses. Moreover, the national landscape offers a concrete opportunity: access to incentives and subsidies to facilitate the transition towards sustainability, especially in the construction and energy efficiency sectors. However, knowledge and accessibility to these tools are still limited in sectors such as services and media, highlighting the need for more effective communication and simplification policies.

One of the determining factors for the success of ESG strategies is the active involvement of employees. In Europe, Spain stands out for the high level of worker participation in corporate sustainability initiatives (56%). In Italy, one in three employees is highly involved, while 64% of SMEs report that their staff participates in some way in environmental initiatives. This aspect is fundamental: internal awareness not only strengthens the sense of belonging and the coherence between corporate values and operational practices, but it fuels a virtuous circle in which every level of the organization contributes to the achievement of the common goal. A sustainable corporate culture develops through continuous education, the sharing of goals, and the recognition of each employee's active role in the ecological transition process.

The ecological transition of European SMEs is based on four key elements: well-structured regulation, clear economic incentives, a conscious business leadership, and effective measurement tools. Only by integrating these factors can real and lasting change be guaranteed. In a context where SMEs are the engine of the European economy, their active participation is essential for achieving climate goals. Therefore, a multi-level governance is needed, where institutions, businesses, and workers actively collaborate. Europe's competitive and sustainable future depends on its SMEs: no longer mere executors of obligations, but protagonists of a new resilient economy, conscious and oriented towards collective well-being. A challenge that also presents a great opportunity.

This article was created as part of the project "Biodiversity services EU expansion" (CUP: E43D22000480009) under the call of the Lombardy Region "PR FESR 2021-2027 – LINEA INTERNAZIONALIZZAZIONE 21-27", aimed at supporting the internationalization of Italian companies. 3Bee is the naturetech company that develops innovative technologies for the monitoring, protection, and regeneration of biodiversity, supporting companies in defining customized climate strategies based on the analysis of their impacts and dependencies on nature. With a consolidated portfolio in Italy, Germany, and France and prominent partnerships, 3Bee continues its expansion into international markets to create a tangible impact through technology.