Conceptual Framework for Evaluating the Environmental Awareness and Eco-efficiency of SMEs

Environmental problems are increasingly impacting society and nature. For this reason, companies are expected to become aware of the importance of seeking strategies and measures to mitigate and prevent environmental impacts. The growing concern about the availability of natural resources for future generations and their survival has been the premise for decision making in the industrial sector to improve the quality of life and preserve the environment. In this domain, important concepts such as sustainable development and eco-efficiency have been developed. They represent the trend to achieve a balanced use of resources and a reduction of environmental pollution by preventing waste and establishing economic returns. The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for evaluating the eco-efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) through four main factors: analysis, identification and evaluation, integration, and an action plan. As a result of the analysis, sustainability strategies are proposed to decrease the negative impact and increase the cost-effectiveness and the competitiveness of the SMEs.