The impact of net zero on SMEs and their response models
Abstract: Based on policy trends and industry developments, this article identifies the impact currently faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the face of net-zero emissions, primarily stemming from the EU's carbon border management mechanism and supply chain decarbonization efforts. The second section explains three steps SMEs can take to address the various challenges arising from this issue. The third section, taking into account the limited human and financial resources of SMEs and the need for easy implementation of carbon reduction strategies, proposes recommendations for achieving carbon reduction through energy conservation. I. The Impact of Net-Zero Emissions on SMEs: Excluding SMEs that have voluntarily promoted carbon reduction or committed to net-zero emissions targets, the impact on SMEs primarily comes from two sources: First, regulatory measures imposed by relevant domestic and international regulations; and second, pressure from brand owners to commit to supply chain decarbonization. I. Regulatory Measures from Relevant Domestic and International Regulations First, regarding regulatory measures from relevant domestic and international regulations, the Ministry of Environment previously only required enterprises with direct carbon emissions exceeding 25,000 tons to conduct annual greenhouse gas inventories and verifications, and to submit the results to the "Business Greenhouse Gas Emissions Information Platform." Regulated enterprises include 287 companies in the power, cement, steel, oil, semiconductor, and panel manufacturing sectors. However, starting from 2023, the Ministry of Environment will amend the "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Registration and Inspection Management Measures" and expand the scope of control, requiring enterprises whose direct and indirect carbon emissions total more than 25,000 tons of CO2e to "