75% of Romanian entrepreneurs believe climate change has negative impact on local businesses, survey finds
<p>The majority of Romanian entrepreneurs, over 75% of those surveyed in a study by the Romanian Institute for Evaluation and Strategy, believe that climate change has a negative impact on the local business environment. </p>
<p>Another important conclusion of the study is that 6 out of 10 entrepreneurs believe that renewable energy will play a major role in their company's success, while half of them see sustainable practices and waste management as fundamental for the future of their business. </p>
<p>Most entrepreneurs associate sustainability with the sustainable development of the business, meeting the expectations of employees and clients, reducing financing costs, and reducing their carbon footprint. </p>
<p>Among the most common sustainability actions are issuing electronic invoices, selective waste collection, and efficient lighting. Only a small percentage, 10%, use electric vehicles or less polluting transportation alternatives. </p>
<p>Although many entrepreneurs wish to adopt sustainability strategies, the majority do not collect data to create reports, with only 17% doing so. The main obstacles to data collection are financial resources, lack of time, and lack of necessary knowledge. </p>
<p>Over 70% of the interviewed entrepreneurs have not set sustainability goals related to the impact of their activities on the environment and society. Among those who have set goals, more than a third focus on selective collection and recycling of waste, while others aim for energy efficiency and renewable energy.</p>
<p>Additionally, a significant percentage of entrepreneurs, 68%, are not well-informed about EU regulations in this field. Only 2% consider they have all the necessary knowledge, but the majority, 82%, are eager to learn more, preferring online courses such as those offered by the Academy of Sustainability.</p>
<p>Only 3% of SMEs have an employee dedicated exclusively to sustainability. Most often, decisions are made by the owner or CEO, and in some firms, decisions are made collectively, involving all employees.</p>
<p>The study notes that there is a need for dialogue and feedback so that SMEs are informed and can increase their access to these funds. Non-reimbursable funds are in high demand, and 7% of respondents have accessed green financing, especially for the installation of photovoltaic panels.</p>
<p><em><a href="mailto:radu@romania-insider.com">radu@romania-insider.com</a></em></p>
<p><em>(Photo source: <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/vanderspuyr_info">Richard Van Der Spuy</a> | <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/climate-change.html">Dreamstime.com</a>)</em></p>