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Sustainability
We help small and medium-sized enterprises transition to more sustainable business models.
What is sustainability in business?
Sustainability in business links economic performance with a responsible approach to the environment and society. It is not just about reducing negative impacts, but about systematically seeking more efficient processes, saving energy and materials, reducing emissions and waste, and treating employees and partners fairly. Companies that address sustainability in a timely manner are better prepared for legislative requirements, customer expectations and supply chain pressures, strengthening their long-term stability, resilience and competitiveness.
Why is it important to address sustainability?
Sustainability is a key factor for long-term competitiveness. Meeting ESG criteria (environmental, social and governance) helps companies optimise operations, reduce costs , measure environmental impact, attract talent and investors, build trust with employees and customers and strengthen brands.
European legislation is gradually introducing the obligation of non-financial sustainability reporting ( CSRD, ESRS), especially for large enterprises and selected medium-sized companies. Although SMEs are mostly not subject to mandatory reporting, they are often indirectly affected by the requirements – through customers, banks or supply chain partners.
For SMEs that want to report ESG voluntarily, the VSME Standard (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs) is recommended. This reporting will allow investors, civil society organisations, consumers, suppliers and other stakeholders to assess the sustainability performance of companies as part of the European Green Deal.
MSIC supports companies in the field of sustainability
How can we help you become more sustainably?
Tailored expert advice
We help you implement sustainable solutions with real impact on your business. We will provide you with consulting and information support in the area of sustainability – especially on ESG, energy, waste and water management.
The cooperation begins with a consultation, during which we will assess your needs with you, identify savings and propose appropriate solutions for the further development of your business.
Connecting to partners and experts
We can help you find suitable cooperation partners, technology, investors or international contacts. We provide access to the largest international database of partnership opportunities.
We will also facilitate your participation in specific brockerage and matchmaking events where companies, research organizations, startups and investors meet.
Based on your needs, we will connect you with relevant sustainability stakeholders, including:
- Czech circular hotspot
- CirkArena
- Sustainable Business Association
- Carbon footprint measurement organisations (e.g. Green0meter)
- Cyrkl Consulting
- CIRAA
- Change for the better
- Business Leaders Forum
- and others.
Information and awareness-raising events
We organize professional seminars and workshops. We recommend you to participate in interesting events focused on sustainability, circular economy and environmental solutions in the Czech Republic and abroad. We will help you get up-to-date information on sustainability, valuable know-how and inspiration from practice.
We recommend for example:
- Beyond Today
- Vyspělé Česko
- Sustainability Summit
- Circular Economy in Practice Conference
- National Quality and Sustainability Conference (MIT)
- European Sustainable Development Week
- Antalaya Climate Conference
- and others.
Special development programmes MSICOstravaprogrammes provided beyond EEN
We believe that sustainability is not a fashion trend, but a cruicial element of modern business. We offer comprehensive support through dedicated programmes funded by other external sources (outside the Enterprise Europe Network) or on a commercial basis.
MSIC Ostrava offers the ENVI Scan, ENVI Project and the EnviBooster accelerator programme, which are available free of charge to companies in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
In the ENVI scan programme, we help you identify opportunities to reduce operating costs and manage energy, water and waste more efficiently – always in line with current European and Czech legislation.
The service is intended for companies that:
- are looking for savings and more efficient use of materials,
- want or need to prepare ESG reporting documents (e.g. VSME),
- must supply ESG data throughout the supply chain.
The ENVI scan includes the collection and evaluation of operational and administrative data and the proposal of specific measures to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Based on the data, we can also calculate the carbon footprint of the company in scope 1 and 2.
The ENVI scan is followed by the ENVI project, in which we will work with experts to prepare a specific change project in the area with the greatest potential for improvement – with minimal investment and quick return.
Support may include, for example:
- water savings in production processes,
- introduction of energy management,
- tailored ESG strategy development,
- systematic introduction of non-financial reporting into the company’s strategy.
For startups in the field of circular economy, green technologies and clean energy, we offer the Envibooster accelerator program. Each startup is assigned a startup guide and we connect them with investors, mentors, other startups and companies in the field.
Tip from MSIC experts
“Don’t approach sustainability as an obligation, but as an opportunity. Start one step at a time and focus on areas where sustainability can deliver quick and measurable benefits. Even small changes in operations or management can lead to savings and prepare your business for future market, customer and legislative requirements.”