MESS4GE - Increasing consultants’ capabilities to report on SME’s ESG status

The main goal of MESS4GE was to increase the capabilities of consultants and VET trainers to support SMEs in ESG performance reporting. The consortium sought to develop a complete learning enviro...

The main goal of MESS4GE was to increase the capabilities of consultants and VET trainers to support SMEs in ESG performance reporting. The consortium sought to develop a complete learning environment and support ecosystem to help SMEs navigate ESG challenges, using user centred learning space, clear tools, hands-on activities, and digital solutions. Specifically, we aimed and accomplished to: (1) raise awareness about the value of ESG for SMEs, SME consultants, trainers and VET providers; (2) equip trainers and consultants with practical knowledge and materials on ESG, ESG reporting and activities and tools to deliver ESG training; (3) provide SMEs with a simple and effective ESG performance framework; (4) provide SMEs with a user centred self-assessment tool; and (5) foster transnational collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals in ESG. We also wanted to ensure that the materials would be adaptable, easy to use, and available in multiple languages to maximise impact. By doing so, the project aimed to promote long-term sustainability and competitiveness for SMEs while also aligning with EU green transition goals.

MESS4GE was structured around five work packages and implemented over two years. Key activities included: (1) a comprehensive analysis of six ESG reporting frameworks and national reporting landscapes in five countries; (2) development of a tailored Training Methodology with 12 activities structured in six modules (18 hours); (3) creation of an ESG Reporting Template for SMEs, including practical guidance and KPI definitions; (4) a three-day transnational training event in Milan to test the methodology with consultants and trainers; (5) design of a capacity-building curriculum with 14 units across five modules for ESG experts; (6) development of short video-based digital learning materials and scripts; (7) creation of an online ESG maturity assessment web tool for SMEs; (8) dissemination and communication activities including a plan, visual identity, project website, promotional materials, and evaluation; (9) impact analysis, exploitation and sustainability report (individual and as a project); and (10) quality assurance process, including plan, process and product assessment and report. All activities were guided by strong project and quality management to ensure efficiency, alignment and impact.

MESS4GE delivered 5 core outputs - practical, easy to adopt, and designed for real-world application: 1. An ESG Reporting Template tailored for SMEs, available in 4 languages and tested across 5 countries; 2. A modular Training Methodology (18 hours, 6 modules), piloted in Milan with 16 trainers; 3. A Capacity-Building Course with 14 units for consultants, delivered online and tested by 79 participants; 4. A self-paced e-learning platform with video content and self-assessment tools, scoring 4.6/5 for usability; 5. A web-based self-assessment tool piloted by 31 SMEs from 5 countries; The project raised awareness, built capacity, and improved ESG literacy in SMEs across Europe. The project's results also included: 6. 28 reports following MESS4GE ESG reporting template (the reports follow the template); 7. Four TPMs (44 participants); 8. 5 MEs (174 participants ) helped promote results; 9. A strong dissemination strategy including a website, toolkits, and ESG awareness campaigns supported the engagement of the target users; 10. Exploitation is ensured. IDEC and ECOLE integrated training into their offers, while UoG and UNIC are using the results in academic teaching and research; 11. Positive impact was confirmed by SME.