Helping manufacturing SMEs improve energy efficiency starts with giving them the right knowledge and practical tools. With this objective in mind, the Aix Marseille Provence Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAMP) launched a series of EcoSMEnergy training sessions for manufacturing companies in the Aix-Marseille area.
The first training took place on 29 May in Aubagne, bringing together representatives from local industrial SMEs to strengthen their understanding of energy management and discover practical ways to reduce energy consumption. The training was specifically designed for manufacturing companies with fewer than 250 employees.
Participants explored the fundamentals of energy efficiency and learned how to use the energy management tools and the Impawatt platform developed through the EcoSMEnergy project. These resources help companies monitor and analyse their energy consumption, identify opportunities for improvement and take concrete steps towards reducing energy use.
The session also included interactive group workshops, encouraging participants to exchange experiences and discuss common challenges in implementing energy efficiency measures. This peer-to-peer learning complemented the technical content and provided practical inspiration that participants can apply in their own organisations.
A key outcome of the training was introducing companies to the project’s voluntary Code of Conduct, which provides a structured, step-by-step approach to continuous improvement in energy management. By combining practical tools, expert guidance and collaborative learning, the training equips SMEs to build a long-term energy strategy that supports both competitiveness and sustainability.
The Aubagne session is the first of four trainings organised by CCIAMP, with additional sessions taking place in Aix-en-Provence on 1 July and online on 15–16 September and 28–29 September. The positive response from participants confirms the growing demand for practical support to help SMEs address today’s energy challenges.
Registrations for the upcoming training sessions are still open, offering more manufacturing SMEs the opportunity to develop practical skills, access EcoSMEnergy tools and strengthen their energy management practices.