Environment
What we do
Why we do it
How we do it
With a focus on climate change, circularity and biodiversity, we provide green tools and approaches to MSMEs and stakeholders in developing countries and accompany them to succeed in the green transition.
What we focus on
Our themes
GreenToCompete addresses the following themes:
Climate change
According to the IPCC, there are only 10 years left to act to prevent irreversible damage from climate change. While MSMEs are the fabric of many developing country economies, they are particularly affected by climate change. At the same time, climate change may also offer new opportunities to MSMEs.
We support MSMEs in transitioning towards a resilient and net-zero economy through climate adaptation and mitigation.
Circularity
The current take-make-dispose model, or linear economy, has reached the limit of our planet, and it will no longer serve business, people, nor the environment in the long run. Shifting production and consumption patterns require a change from product design and manufacturing through changing consumer behavior. The circular economy offers opportunities for MSMEs to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, boosts innovation and employment and engage in new business opportunities.
We support MSMEs shifting towards a circular economy through resource efficiency, circular production and waste management.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity plays an important role in many economic activities, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism. Nearly half of the global population rely on natural resources and ecosystem services for their livelihood. However, human activities are transforming ecosystems and landscapes at an unprecedented rate, causing a dramatic loss in biological diversity. Reversing biodiversity loss requires a shift away from business as usual.
We support MSMEs to contribute towards a nature positive economy through conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources.
The GreenToCompete Hubs
As a central offering of GreenToCompete, the Hubs offer solutions and tools for MSMEs to build their skills and increase their knowledge to implement green business practices through face-to-face coaching programmes covering.
Assess climate risks and develop an adaption strategy
Reduce, re-use and recycle
Environmental protection, labour rights, business ethoics and more-use-recycle
Preferential credits
New business opportunities through the development of new products and services
EU City Award
Showcase how EU cities set an example by having a global impact on sustainable, fair and ethical trade through local efforts.
EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade Award
The Award recognizes visionary EU cities which show leadership, and helps connect cities to exchange knowledge and share good practices in order to scale up cities’ efforts and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
eco.business Fund Sustainability Standards Self-Assessment Tool
The eco.business Fund and the International Trade Centre have joined forces to enable businesses assess compliance against sustainability standards and potentially access preferential bank loans based on their sustainability score