Promoting ESG Reporting through MESS4GE: Company Visits to Drive Sustainable Growth in SMEs

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the MESS4GE project is excited to announce the launch of a critical initiative under Working Package 4: “Sending the Message.”

Task T4.2, “ESG Reporting: Company Visits,” is a cornerstone of our strategy to provide hands-on support and foster a culture of sustainability across Europe’s SMEs.

Who Will Participate?

The company visits are designed to be highly impactful, with the active involvement of consultants who have undergone training as part of Task T3.3. Importantly, we aim to ensure that at least 20% of these trained consultants in each country are directly involved in these visits. For instance, if 10 consultants have been trained in a specific country, at least 2 of them will actively participate in this initiative. This approach guarantees that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training are effectively translated into real-world applications, benefiting the SMEs that need it most.

Why This Matters

By participating in these company visits, SMEs will gain access to tailored advice and practical tools to enhance their ESG reporting. This not only helps them meet regulatory requirements but also positions them as leaders in sustainability, opening up new opportunities for growth, investment, and competitiveness in the market.

We invite all SMEs involved in the MESS4GE project to take full advantage of this initiative. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible business future.

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.