ESG Maturity Assessment Results for Cypriot SMEs

MESS4GE announces it has recently completed an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) maturity assessment for 5 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cyprus. Using a detailed questionnaire, it has evaluated each company’s practices across key dimensions such as environmental management, stakeholder engagement, diversity, governance, and customer focus.

Key Highlights:

• The overall ESG maturity levels varied significantly, with some companies demonstrating strong practices in specific areas, while others highlighted opportunities for improvement.
• Most SMEs showcased strengths in social aspects, such as gender balance, flexible work arrangements, and health and safety protocols.
• Environmental practices—such as monitoring energy and water consumption or implementing waste reduction policies—were less established, indicating a clear area for growth.
• Governance structures and stakeholder communication strategies also varied, with some companies excelling while others lacked formal frameworks.

Why ESG Matters for SMEs

Adopting robust ESG practices is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative for building resilient, sustainable businesses. This maturity assessment is a step towards identifying gaps and driving impactful change.

The MESS4GE project is dedicated to establishing a framework for reporting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. With a focus on the horizontal priority of the environment and the fight against climate change, the project aims to generate new knowledge and skills that actively support sustainable development and the battle against climate change. MESS4GE addresses both of these requirements by creating a standardized approach to ESG reporting, providing organizations with comprehensive information for informed decision-making and promoting sustainability. This newfound knowledge can be utilized by researchers, organizations, advocates, and others to enhance monitoring systems, develop conscious policies, and initiate environmental protection measures at all levels.

The project’s main objective is to establish a consistent methodology for ESG reporting across European businesses. This will involve the creation of an innovative, modular, and applicable body of knowledge encompassing corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects. To achieve this, the project will develop a capacity-building package designed to equip professionals, including ESG experts, consultants, and auditors, with the necessary analytical and reporting skills. Throughout the 24-month project duration, this package will undergo pilot testing. These professionals will act as the initial “ambassadors” of the ESG report. This approach aligns with the specific priority of vocational education and training, aiming to contribute to innovation in this field. The project envisions the adoption of new training methodologies by training and vocational education centers to meet the demand for a more relevant professional education sector, one that aligns with societal needs and the job market.