Klimapakt fir Betriber: How Luxembourg helps businesses to move to a sustainable model
Marcin Jozwiak, Unsplash
Launched at the end of 2022, the Klimapakt fir Betriber initiative is helping Luxembourg companies accelerate their transition to a low-carbon economy. A joint project between the Ministries of Economy, Energy and Environment, implemented by Klima-Agence and Luxinnovation, it has become, in two years, a centre of attraction for SMEs seeking sustainable development.
The key to success lies in practicality: companies are not offered abstract goals, but tools adapted to business needs. For example, installing solar panels, electric vehicle charging systems or modernising hot water supply. All activities are accompanied by a catalogue of innovative solutions, manuals and consultations.
As Fenn Faber, director of Klima-Agence, emphasises, the aim of the project is to create a common language for everyone involved in the process - from experts to business owners.
Various subsidy schemes are available: Temporary Environmental Assistance (valid until June 2025), Fit 4 Sustainability, SME Package Sustainability and project support from CDEC. In addition, companies have access to a national solar cadastre, specialist lists and the digital E-Tool, a platform for long-term energy monitoring and reporting.
During Klimapakt fir Betriber Day on 3 April, the participants discussed successful cases:
- Bel-Air and Trail-Inn hotels are modernising equipment and training staff to reduce energy consumption.
- The Brasserie Simon brewery covers up to 40 per cent of its energy needs with solar panels, and the payback was quick thanks to government support.
- Bonaria Frères has assessed its carbon footprint and implemented an emissions reduction plan.
- Steffen Holzbau has switched to electric vehicles and installed its own solar panels - support from the state and low operating costs make the model economically viable.
The Fit 4 Sustainability programme, curated by Luxinnovation, enables businesses to get a carbon footprint diagnostic, energy, water audit or product lifecycle analysis. This helps reduce costs, increase brand appeal and improve business sustainability.
According to Johnny Brebels of Luxinnovation, the aim is to give companies an incentive to innovate through sustainability. Government support and professional consulting make this accessible even to small businesses.
Klimapakt fir Betriber is not just subsidies, but a systematic approach to transforming the economy. Given Luxembourg's climate and digitalisation ambitions, such programmes could become a model for the rest of Europe.
