Organisation:  Hellenic  Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship  (HCCE).Type of partner: Consultancy – Energy Efficiency.Website: www.esee.gr.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Function: Energy Efficiency project for micro and small SMEs. Date of publication: 30-3-2015.  Indicative topic(s) of interest: EE16 Organisation innovation to increase energy efficiency in industry.   What we do:  Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship is a major social partner and currently implements a project named "Eco-Commerce" that is co-funded from the European Social Fund and the Greek Government. The project aims to introduce commercial SMEs to green entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility (CSR).  SMEs may apply voluntarily and when registered in Eco-Commerce undertake the responsibility to take actions and achieve green and social goals, like decrease electrical consumption, diminish carbon footprint etc. If the SME is successful in fulfilling actions and goals it gets accredited according to our tailored “Eco-Commerce” standard for commercial SMEs.  We already manage over than 600 commercial SMEs allocated in three major towns in Greece. The results are much encouraging as we encounter a mean value of about 9 to 10% of CO2 emissions reduction. Considering the lack of actions strictly targeting to commercial businesses and the fact that micro and small commercial SMEs are greatly enumerated, (roughly 700 thousands in Greece, 20 million in Europe) there is a huge potential for savings and energy efficiency.  The project for its initiative is registered under the Global Compact action of United Nations .  What we offer:  Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship is able to mobilize businesses into actions under its vast network of micro and small commercial businesses.  Regarding the project there is already great deal of experience gained. We mention below some implemented actions or experience gained:  · Tailored and fully documented standard. Environmental and CSR Management system for micro and small commercial businesses; · Calculation/diagnostic tool for CO2 emissions estimation; · Instruction manuals, tutorials; · Pool of external consultants established and trained; · Energy Audits implemented by consultants; · ICT platform for data entry and communications; · Helpdesk for assisting businesses and consultants. What we are looking for:  The concept is to use all this experience and to expand this project to a new one, through different partnerships to best available possibilities. Some  indicative but not restrictive ideas are to:  · Redesign and point out better standardization/protocol method based on good experience in energy audits. Even adopt an established and recognisable standard; · Inform businesses about Ecodesign and Energy Label Directives and products. They have the potential to be powerful and effective tools for achieving major energy and CO2 cuts; · Engage Energy Savings Companies (ESCOs) as an option for businesses. Many SMEs find the idea attractive but don’t have the personnel or time to dedicate; · Expand energy audits to include buildings as well and get a certification scheme. To our practice only electronic and electrical equipment is accountable; · Consult and support to owners to renovate buildings where applicable according to Energy performance Building directive (EPBD) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED); · Propagate the project geographically into other regions and countries in collaboration with other organisations.  In conclusion, we are open to ideas that would make the most out of the project potential. Partners could be Universities, Public Bodies, Research Canters or Companies.  An organization with proven experience in international projects is invited as project coordinator.  The project could be based on a new proposal with an appropriate topic or as a side project within an existing proposal.   Who we are:  The HCCE has an institutional role in Greek economy and society. It participates as a major social partner in social dialogue.  HCCE has a membership of 13 Commercial Federations and 270 Commercial Associations, representing the entire territory of Greece even in small towns.  Sits on the Economic and Social Committee as well as on numerous other institutional agencies. It also contributes in the formation of a business environment with its participation in special agencies and institutions. HCCE, in European level is a member of UEAPME and Eurocommerce.    Contact Details:George Tsolakis – Environmentalist  gtsolakis@esee.gr