In a world where climate change threatens our future, every player counts in driving forward the ecological transition. But did you know that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies (MSEs) could well be the unsung heroes of this green revolution?
Often overshadowed by large multinationals, these structures, which represent 99% of companies in the European Union and contribute 58% of GDP according to the European Commission, have a crucial role to play.
So, how can these SMEs transform the global ecological landscape? What challenges do they face, and how can solutions like Keewe's Green FX help? Let's dive into this exploration.
When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the focus is often on industrial giants. Yet SMEs have a far greater impact than most people realize. In the UK, for example, SMEs account for 43% to 53% of business emissions, or up to 36% of the country's total emissions, according to a study by the British Business Bank relayed by Small99 in 2021.
To give a more concrete idea, a British SME emits an average of 15 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, according to the Carbon Trust (2023). That's equivalent to 150,000 km driven by car - imagine 15 round-trips from Paris to New York by plane!
These figures show that SMEs are no mere spectators in the fight against climate change. With 90% of the world's businesses and 70% of jobs in their care (World Bank, 2021), their collective carbon footprint is massive. In France, where SMEs dominate the economic fabric, their role is just as critical.
For example, the average carbon footprint of a French person is 9.4 tonnes of CO2 per year, 56% of which comes from imports (SDES, 2024). SMEs, which buy and sell internationally, contribute to this imported footprint. And while their impact is a responsibility, it is also an opportunity: by changing their practices, they can become major players in the global ecological transition.
Despite their size, SMEs are not lacking in initiatives to green their activities.
Reduction initiatives
In France, by 2020, 44% of companies, including a large proportion of SMEs, had implemented at least one carbon reduction measure, according to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance.
This includes simple but effective actions:
- waste reduction,
- energy optimization,
- or switching to renewable energies.
Direct innovations
Some SMEs go even further, innovating directly in green products and services. Think of agricultural SMEs that turn to organic produce, companies that develop eco-friendly packaging, or those that install solar panels for their customers. These initiatives don't just reduce emissions: they also influence consumer behavior, pushing the market towards greater sustainability.
Local sourcing
SMEs also have an impact on their supply chains. By favoring local suppliers, they can reduce transport-related emissions by 15%, according toADEME (2023). Their proximity to communities also enables them to run local projects, such as recycling or circular economy initiatives. For example, French SMEs are collaborating on waste recovery projects, creating a snowball effect in their regions (ADEME, 2023).
This agility and ability to act locally make SMEs unique players in accelerating the global ecological transition.
However, it's not all plain sailing for SMEs. Adopting sustainable practices often comes up against major obstacles.
1. Limited resources.
First and foremost? Limited resources. Setting up a green project can cost between 50,000 and 100,000 euros, according to Medef (2024). For an SME, this is a substantial investment, especially when margins are tight and operational priorities (paying salaries, maintaining production) take precedence.
2. Data access
Lack of information is another barrier. Only 15% of European companies have a green finance strategy, according to the European Investment Bank (2021). Without access to clear data or practical advice, many SMEs feel lost when faced with the complexity of green solutions.
3. Competitiveness
Added to this is market pressure: customers and competitors demand low prices, which can make sustainable practices - often more costly in the short term - difficult to justify (OECD, 2021).
4. Regulations
Finally, environmental regulations, while essential, can be a headache. The new European CSRD directive (2025), which requires companies to publish sustainability reports, is a case in point. For an SME with no legal expertise, complying with these rules can seem overwhelming, as Carbone 4 (2024) points out.
These challenges show that, despite their potential, SMEs need a helping hand to fully commit to the ecological transition.
Fortunately, opportunities and solutions exist to help SMEs overcome these obstacles and become leaders in sustainability.
1. Government support
First of all, governments play a key role. In France, the"France 2030" plan has allocated 50 million euros in 2024 to finance low-carbon projects, such as the installation of solar panels or the energy transition of SMEs (ADEME, 2024). This aid, in the form of grants or soft loans, helps to reduce initial costs and encourage innovation.
2. Training assistance
Networks and training are also invaluable. CCIs (Chambers of Commerce and Industry) in France organize workshops and webinars to raise awareness of green best practices among SMEs (CCI France, 2024). Platforms such as Réseau Entreprendre and the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform enable SMEs to share experiences and collaborate on green projects, boosting their impact (European Commission, 2020).
3. Fintech solutions
But one of the most promising solutions comes from fintechs, which provide concrete tools for integrating sustainability into day-to-day operations. Take Keewe and its Green FX service, for example . This solution enables SMEs to track and reduce the carbon footprint of their international payments. Imagine a French SME exporting to the USA: each transaction emits around 50g of CO2 (estimate based on Arcep/ADEME, 2023). With Green FX, it can not only measure this impact, but also offset its emissions by financing green projects, such as reforestation.
In conclusion, SMEs are not just economic players: they are key drivers of the global ecological transition. Their agility, proximity to communities and capacity for innovation place them at the heart of the green revolution. Yes, they emit - 15 tonnes of CO2 per British SME on average, or the equivalent of 15 round-trips from Paris to New York! - but they're also taking action. Whether by reducing waste, developing green products or influencing their supply chains, they are leading the way.
Of course, the challenges are real: limited resources, lack of information, market pressures, and complex regulations. But with the support of governments, networks and fintech solutions like Keewe's Green FX, these obstacles can be overcome. SMEs have everything they need to become leaders in sustainability, and every little bit helps. So why not join the green revolution today?
Find out how tools like Keewe's Green FX can help you reduce your carbon footprint while optimizing your international payments. Together, let's turn your SME into a hero of the global ecological transition!