Sustainlook -SME

SUSFINDEX

In order for sustainability reports in SME-dominated sectors in Turkey to reach an ideal level and for SMEs to achieve successful results in ESG ratings;

  • Simplified ESG standards specific to SMEs should be created.

  • The awareness of SMEs should be increased through training and guides.

  • Cooperation between large companies and SMEs should be strengthened.

  • Financial incentives and government support should be provided.

  • ESG reporting should be facilitated with digital solutions.

These steps will contribute to making supply chains in Turkey more sustainable and also help SMEs appear more attractive to international investors. One of the important and innovative aspects here is the creation of simplified ESG standards specifically tailored for SMEs.

In this field, “Susfindex”, developed by SustainLook through 10 years of research and collaborations with various institutions and community stakeholders, enables the creation of simplified ESG standards specifically designed for SMEs.

SustainLook offers Sustainability and ESG consulting services specifically tailored for SMEs, aiming to empower the significant value and contribution that SMEs hold in the business world to be more effectively reflected in sustainability and ESG efforts.

Of course, while working on sustainability and ESG performance evaluation systems specifically for SMEs, it should not be forgotten that having a dedicated evaluation and rating system for SMEs has now become an essential requirement.

For this purpose, besides SMEs that wish to use the same system as large-scale corporations, a new ESG rating system could be designed, allowing SMEs to present their sustainability and ESG performance in a way that best fits their own corporate structures. Developing an SME-specific ESG methodology that is more suitable for their organizational frameworks and enables them to communicate and document their sustainability and ESG efforts to stakeholders would represent a significant turning point in ESG performance evaluation practices.

In fact, the implementation of such an innovative ESG methodology and the adoption of this rating system by SMEs could also provide significant advantages for large-scale corporations. This is because “Sustainable Sourcing” scoring plays a critical role in determining ESG ratings for large companies, and the absence of any ESG assessment for SMEs within their supplier base can negatively impact the ESG performance scores of these large corporations.

The size and sectors of SMEs can vary significantly. Therefore, it is essential to offer a new ESG and Sustainability Rating System (Methodology) specifically designed for SMEs, tailored to their size, corporate structure, preferences, and industries. SMEs may choose to use the rating systems applied by large enterprises or opt for a simplified but comprehensive set of sustainability and ESG questions that better fit their unique structures, submitting the necessary documentation accordingly. This approach enables SMEs to progress through defined stages in ESG and Sustainability, thereby gaining valuable knowledge, experience, and practical application skills.

For this purpose, the “Susfindex” ESG Rating System, developed and wholly owned by SustainLook, enables SMEs to start using the Susfindex rating system to document their existing Sustainability and ESG structures, identify gaps in these areas, and quickly resolve which improvement actions they need to take with the support of SustainLook professionals. If desired, SustainLook continues to work with SMEs on these improvement areas and provides ongoing “Sustainability and ESG Consultancy” services throughout the entire process.

The Susfindex product is an ESG and Sustainability Rating Index specifically designed for SMEs.

You can find detailed information about Susfindex at www.susfindex.com and quickly learn your ESG score.

SustainLook's SME focus area is not limited only to SMEs engaged with Sustainability and ESG Rating Systems.

SMEs AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

For SMEs to better integrate with large companies and investors, both the simplification of reporting processes and the enhancement of their capacities are necessary. The efforts to be undertaken for this purpose can be summarized as follows:


1. Setting ESG-Compliant Standards for SMEs

It is important for large companies to request sustainability reports from SMEs, but it is equally important that these requests are appropriate to the capacities of the SMEs.

  • Sector-Based ESG Frameworks: For example, fundamental sustainability criteria that SMEs can implement in the automotive, textile, food, or construction sectors should be established.

  • Modular and Easy-to-Implement Reporting Models: Simplified ESG reporting formats that comply with international standards such as GRI and SASB should be developed for small-scale enterprises.

2. Capacity Building Programs for SMEs

Some SMEs may need to have knowledge about ESG reporting. On the other hand, they must have the human resources to fulfill the ESG reporting requirements. For this purpose;

  • Training and Mentoring Programs: ESG training should be provided to SMEs through chambers of commerce, sectoral associations and large companies.

  • Sector-Specific ESG Guides: Practical manuals should be developed to explain what SMEs need to do regarding sustainability issues.

3. Increasing ESG Compliance Among Large Corporations and SMEs

In order for SMEs to remain in the supply chain of large companies, they need to comply with ESG requirements. For this purpose;

  • Large Companies Should Support SMEs: Big companies aiming to achieve ESG goals can provide their suppliers with technical support and financial incentives.

  • Supply Chain ESG Scoring System: A simplified rating system should be established to assess the ESG performance of SMEs.

4. State Support and Access to Financing

Access to financing must be facilitated to enable SMEs to carry out sustainability investments.

Green Financing and Incentives: Certain incentives can be provided to SMEs that prepare sustainability reports.

 

5. Facilitating ESG Processes with Digitalization

Digital solutions can be used to simplify ESG reporting for SMEs.

  • ESG Reporting Software: Online platforms should be developed that allow SMEs to quickly input ESG data and automatically generate reports.

  • Transparent Data Sharing with Blockchain: New technologies such as blockchain should be utilized to ensure the reliable sharing of ESG data throughout the supply chain.

2. ESG AND SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING FOR SMEs

These services help SMEs strengthen their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capabilities while also providing significant advantages in doing business with large corporations, attracting investors, and complying with legal requirements. They accelerate the transition of SMEs to sustainable business models and enable them to gain a competitive edge in the ESG arena.

1. Developing an ESG Strategy and Creating a Roadmap

  • Creating a customized ESG strategy suitable for the scale and sector of SMEs

  • Determining ESG targets and drawing a 5-10 year sustainability roadmap

  • Developing cost-effective solutions for small businesses

2. ESG Education and Awareness Programs

  • ESG and sustainability awareness training for SMEs' managers and employees

  • Sustainability awareness seminars for green-collar and blue-collar workers

  • Organizing workshops on topics such as supply chain sustainability, ethical business, carbon footprint management

3. Sustainability Reporting and Transparency

  • Preparing the necessary ESG reports for SMEs to do business with large companies

  • Creating reporting processes in accordance with international standards such as GRI, SASB, EcoVadis, CDP

  • Providing consultancy services in this field if they request reporting within the scope of Susfindex

  • Developing simple and cost-effective systems to monitor ESG data

4. Carbon Footprint Calculation and Reduction Strategies

  • Providing practical and applicable carbon footprint measurement methods specific to SMEs

  • Creating a carbon reduction action plan

  • Providing support in energy efficiency, renewable energy use and transition to a carbon neutral business model

5. Circular Economy and Waste Management Solutions

  • Developing waste reduction and recycling strategies

  • Applying circular economy models specific to SMEs

  • Guidance on plastic reduction, water efficiency and sustainable packaging use

6. Responsible Supply Chain Management

  • Developing supplier sustainability policies to help large corporate companies comply with ESG criteria

  • Establishing ESG risk assessment and supplier audit processes

  • Ensuring that SMEs integrate into large corporations as sustainable and ethical suppliers

7. Green Finance and Sustainable Investments

  • Consultancy on how SMEs can benefit from green financing and incentives

  • Information on sustainable banking and green loan options

  • Managing the processes for accessing government incentives, funds, and grants for ESG-compliant projects

8. ESG Compliant Human Resources and Employee Rights

  • Developing policies for equality, diversity, and inclusion (Diversity & Inclusion – D\&I)

  • Developing sustainable practices in employee engagement, occupational health and safety

  • Improving company policies on fair compensation and social rights

9. Green Marketing and Sustainable Branding

  • Supporting SMEs in developing green marketing and sustainable brand strategies

  • Developing transparent marketing processes that prevent greenwashing risks

  • Developing strategies to offer eco-friendly products and services to consumers

10. Digital Transformation and ESG Data Management

  • Integrating digital ESG tools and software into SMEs

  • Providing sustainability solutions based on data analysis in supply chain and operational processes

  • Consulting on the transition to blockchain and AI-supported ESG applications

 

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For a sustainable world, we must work together, learn together, and grow together. You can contact us to be your partner on the journey of “Sustainability and ESG” for all societal stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, competitors, and more.
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