On February 26, 2025, representatives from the energy sector, small and medium-sised enterprises (SMEs), public institutions and university lecturers and students from the Technical University of Sofia gathered at the “Central Hotel” in Sofia for a national information campaign held under the DEESME 2050 project, co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme.
A total of 57 participants attended the event, reflecting the growing interest among Bulgarian enterprises in sustainable energy solutions. The participation of academic representatives fosters the integration of innovative energy efficiency practices into education and encourages future professionals to engage in sustainable development early in their careers.
The event provided a dynamic platform for presenting the DEESME 2050 approach and the opportunities it offers to Bulgarian SMEs, with a particular focus on the furniture sector. The campaign focused on practical guidance and strategies to improve energy efficiency through energy audits and the implementation of energy management systems (ISO 50001), all aimed at supporting Europe’s path to carbon neutrality by 2050.
The event opened with remarks from the Director of DG “Coordination and Management of EE and RES” at SEDA, who outlined the latest developments in energy efficiency policies, including updates to the Energy Efficiency Directive.
European project expert at the European Center for Quality Ltd., introduced the DEESME 2050 project and explained how it supports SMEs in the furniture sector to identify additional benefits of energy efficiency actions, beyond just energy savings, and the results from the walk-through audits and preparing for ISO 50001 implementation. TÜV NORD Bulgaria Ltd. followed with a session on “ISO 50001: Implementing Energy Management Systems for a Sustainable Future,” offering guidance on how SMEs can apply international standards to improve operational efficiency and environmental impact.
A key highlight of the event was the overview of current funding opportunities and project development strategies for SMEs. The insights helped demystify the financing landscape and gave participants practical tools to access resources for energy efficiency investments.
The event concluded with an open discussion, where attendees presented their projects, shared ideas, and asked questions. The networking cocktail that followed fostered dialogue between enterprises, experts, and public authorities.
