1. ATHENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Activities in the field of Environmental Protection

2. Aims &Goals Promotion of : Sustainable Business Practices Cleaner Production New systems and approaches in industry Environmentally sound technologies with a focus on cleaner and safer and more efficient use of raw materials Propose and support Governmental policies that encourage the development of these systems and technologies.

3. Services to Entrepreneurs Informs about Governmental policies that encourage the development of Environmentally sound systems and technologies. Informs about Governmental regulations Awards annual prizes to companies recognize environmental management Organizes in its premises meetings and conferences concerning environmental issues, renewable energy resources, new energy sources, sustained economic growth etc.

4. Environmental concerns Pressures on natural resources will continue to increase. Global warming Water scarcity Land degradation Air Pollution Water pollution Habitat loss Bio-diversity loss WORLD WILL BECOME POORER

5. Environmental concerns  Industry can reduce waste and increase the efficient and sustainable use of resources process wastes leaks and spills packaging wastewater heat and air emissions So. we pay to make waste in the first place and then we pay again to take it away.

6. PROJECT “THINK GREEN” OBJECTIVES 1.to treat the environmental impact of the operational function of SMEs and 2.to enhance the environmental conscience and the ecological mentality amongst owners of SMEs.

7. PROJECT ACTIONS 1.Environmental sensitization and awareness- raising Program for the enterprises- members of ACCI 2.Creation of a “Green Business Angels” Network 3.Environmental mentoring 4.Creation and development of the “Green Portal for SME’s”

8. PROJECT GOAL Minimization of the environmental impact from the SMEs operational function, such as: saving of electric energy and utilization of Renewable Energy Sources saving of thermal energy reduction of paper consumption reduction of all kinds of polluting agents promotion of environmentally friendly packaging promotion of a “responsible” supply procedure improvement of the supply chain with environmental criteria etc.

9. BENEFITS FOR SMEs Improved corporate image Cost Savings Improvement of the employee’s “morale” Achievement of a competitive advantage Reduction of the risk for fines by the relevant administration Improved approach to new markets Reduction of the insurance cost for environmental damages Shareholder value increase Stakeholder value increase

10. RESULTS 221 SMEs implemented environmentally friendly practices 55 SMEs involved from declined areas 102 female entrepreneurs involved 1 Network of Green Business Angels (32 GBA are added each year to the Network) 208 SMEs participated at the training programme 291 mentors participated at the mentor programme.

11. RESULTS 1.The first in Greece Green Portal for SMEs created http://ermis.acci.gr/green/ 2. Guide of Good Practices 3. Environmental Legal Framework for SMEs