Facing Environmental Goals for Energy-Efficiency Improvements in Micro and Small Enterprises Operating in the Age of Industry 4.0

Tomasz Bernat, Sylwia Flaszewska, Bartłomiej Lisowski, Renata Lisowska () and Katarzyna Szymańska
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Tomasz Bernat: Economics Department, Institute of Economics and Finance, University of Szczecin, 64 Mickiewicza Street, 71-101 Szczecin, Poland
Sylwia Flaszewska: Division of Strategic Management, Institute of Management, Faculty of Organization and Management, Lodz University of Technology, 221 Wólczańska Street, 93-005 Lodz, Poland
Bartłomiej Lisowski: Interdisciplinary Doctoral School, Lodz University of Technology, 116 Stefana Żeromskiego Street, 90-543 Lodz, Poland
Renata Lisowska: Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy, Faculty of Management, University of Lodz, 22/26 Matejki Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
Katarzyna Szymańska: Division of Strategic Management, Institute of Management, Faculty of Organization and Management, Lodz University of Technology, 221 Wólczańska Street, 93-005 Lodz, Poland

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: One of the biggest challenges of a modern enterprise is finding a balance between achieving environmental goals and being competitive in the era of Industry 4.0 requirements. The digital revolution is forcing companies to overcome various challenges that contribute to reducing energy consumption. Micro and small enterprises carry out activities in the field of energy efficiency by implementing measures to save energy and reduce total energy consumption. However, these activities are limited by many barriers to resources, which means that these activities are much smaller than those in large companies. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of micro and small enterprises following environmental objectives in improving energy efficiency. The research study, based on a structured and standardized survey questionnaire, was conducted with the use of the CATI technique between April and May 2022 among the owners of micro and small enterprises operating in Poland. The study showed that: (a) the activities of Polish micro- and small-sized companies were aimed at improving energy efficiency through the implementation of environmental objectives; (b) the operation of enterprises in accordance with contemporary environmental requirements improved energy efficiency; and (c) Polish micro- and small-scale enterprises took actions in compliance with environmental requirements.

Keywords: environmental objectives; micro and small enterprises; Industry 4.0; sustainability; energy efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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