The objective of this activity is to strengthen the capacity and knowledge of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges, enabling them to advise SMEs and members on how to reduce their energy consumption, enhance competitiveness, and increase awareness of energy efficiency.

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As a result of this activity, a final report will be published based on data collected during field visits conducted by energy efficiency experts.

 

The Energy Efficiency Activity is structured around three main modules:

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1. In-Person Training in Ankara

As a first step, a new Energy Efficiency Toolkit was developed, building on the previous toolkit and final report produced under TEBD I. This updated toolkit also integrates insights and methodologies from other international and EU-funded projects in the field of SME energy efficiency — including RE-VALUE, EE4SMEs, IMPAWATT, STEEP, and EU4HORECA (where relevant).

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The toolkit’s main objective is to provide selected chamber representatives with a practical set of updated questions and analytical tools to be used with pre-identified Turkish SMEs. It supports chambers in:

 

• Raising awareness of technical aspects of energy efficiency,

• Identifying success factors and barriers,

• Providing diagnostic checklists for SMEs to assess their current energy practices,

• Enhancing corporate policies, and Formulating concrete recommendations for improving energy performance.

 

An in-person training was organised from 11–13 June 2025 at TOBB premises in Ankara, Türkiye, with the participation of 25 executives from Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges. The training was delivered by a network of European experts, in close coordination with the TEBD II team.

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Participants received practical guidance on using the new toolkit and learned how to conduct “energy visits” within SMEs, following best practices from EU chambers. The programme combined theoretical sessions with interactive exercises and mentoring components.

 

The training programme included:

• Hands-on sessions on the use of the Energy Efficiency Toolkit;

• Guidance on assisting SMEs in designing and monitoring energy efficiency actions;

• Workshops and mentoring sessions to prepare participants for conducting on-site SME visits.

 

The initiative also aimed to develop a network of “Energy Efficiency Ambassadors” within local chambers. These 25 trained participants now act as multipliers by providing coaching to local companies, supporting them in reducing energy consumption, and promoting awareness of energy efficiency at local, national, and international levels.

 

The programme concluded with a certification ceremony recognising the participants’ successful completion of the training and their role as Energy Efficiency Ambassadors.

 

Module 2 – Webinar 1

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Training 1: 17 July 2025 (half-day online seminar) – 150 participants (target: 75)

 

ANNEX – Training Program

The first Energy Efficiency webinar, titled “Webinar on Financing Opportunities for SMEs in Energy Efficiency Investments” was held on 17 July 2025 as part of the TEBD II Energy Efficiency Support Programme.

 

The webinar brought together a wide range of institutional experts and practitioners to discuss funding mechanisms and support schemes for SMEs on their path to energy efficiency and green transition. Presentations covered a variety of national and international financial instruments, including:

 

• Public funding and incentive schemes presented by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources,

• The SOGREEN Project and its support mechanisms for energy efficiency (Ministry of Industry and Technology),

• KOSGEB’s Green Industry Support Programme and its application process,

• TÜBİTAK grant opportunities for energy efficiency research and innovation,

• GEFF Türkiye’s energy efficiency approach and financial tools,

• The ESCO Model, presented by EYODER, as an innovative solution for financing renewable energy and energy efficiency investments.

 

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A and closing discussion, allowing participants to directly engage with speakers and explore concrete pathways to financing energy efficiency initiatives in Türkiye.

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​Module 3 – Webinar 2

 

Training 2: Energy Investments for Sustainable Growth: A Toolkit and Real-Life SME Success Stories (3 September 2025)

 

The second online training session of the TEBD II Energy Efficiency Support Programme, held on 3 September 2025 via Zoom, was specifically designed to address the latest questions of Energy Efficiency Ambassadors. The session focused on practical guidance for implementing energy efficiency measures in SMEs using the adapted TEBD II Toolkit.

 

The first part of the webinar provided an in-depth introduction to the adapted Toolkit, revised Menu Card checklist, and 2025 questionnaire, guiding participants on how to conduct energy visits and support SMEs in improving energy efficiency. Presenters included Asuman Sönmez (Local Expert, Türkiye), Geoffrey Saliba, Claudia Julius and Istvan Szabo (International Experts), who shared step-by-step guidance for using the tools and monitoring SME performance.

 

The second part highlighted real-life success stories from various sectors, including food production, metal fabrication, hospitality, and textile industries. Case studies, such as REEValue Sammontana, illustrated practical lessons, challenges, and effective practices in energy-efficient improvements. The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, reinforcing the role of TEBD II Energy Efficiency Ambassadors in supporting SMEs, facilitating access to energy efficiency measures, and promoting sustainable business practices across Türkiye.

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Next Steps: Energy Efficiency Visits and Data Collection

Following the in-person training, each of the 24 participating Turkish Chambers, one dropped off because of a workload, will conduct a minimum of 12 energy visits (audits) to selected SMEs, reaching at least 250 SMEs in total by February 2026. Data will be gathered through a detailed online form to be completed by the participating SMEs. These visits will be supervised and followed by local and EU experts to identify opportunities for energy reduction and collect relevant data in order to issue a final report.