‘Companies protect the climate’ - is yours on board?

Climate protection does not have to be expensive, at least not in Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW). The federal state enables companies to receive in-depth advice from experts for a contribution of just €1,500. In addition, companies are supported with up to €80,000 for investments in projects that result in significant greenhouse gas reductions or savings. BW's goal is to become the first region in the world with climate-neutral production by 2040. Below, we take a look at the ‘Unternehmen machen Klimaschutz’ (‘Companies protect the climate’) funding programme and reveal how you can benefit from it.

Not from Baden-Wuerttemberg? We are happy to advise you on which sustainability subsidies are available in your federal state .

What is the ‘Companies protect the climate’ funding programme? 

‘Unternehmen machen Klimaschutz’: The funding programme is a central component of the climate protection strategy of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. It is aimed at companies of all sizes with headquarters or locations in BW and consists of two main funding components: consulting support and investment support. The aim of the programme is to support companies in systematically and structurally integrating climate protection into their processes and thus reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

This means that BW is not only taking a big step towards a green future, but also promoting the economic efficiency of businesses in the region. The positive effect of sustainable corporate management on a company's success is easy to understand: an efficient use of resources and energy not only protects the environment, it also saves costs. This has also been recognised by 85% of the approximately 700 European SMEs surveyed for the Climate Transition Barometer 2025. They are convinced that integrating more sustainability is a key strategic lever for their growth. Reduced energy costs, the acquisition of new market shares and better financing conditions are cited as the greatest benefits. Already 29% of companies report that their decarbonisation measures have given them a competitive advantage.

However, companies face numerous challenges when developing and implementing a climate strategy. First and foremost, there is often a lack of necessary financial resources, but the complexity of legal regulations, time constraints, limited internal resources and a lack of expertise are also cited as major obstacles in the Climate Transition Barometer. These can be specifically addressed thanks to the investment and consulting support provided as part of the ‘Unternehmen machen Klimaschutz’ (‘Companies protect the climate’) funding programme.

Overview of consulting support: expert help on the path to climate neutrality

The basis of any climate strategy is a thorough analysis of the current situation. Only those who know their company can take targeted measures to effectively achieve their sustainability goals. The support of an expert can not only save valuable time, but also help to make informed decisions. Individual goals are set together with an experienced consultant.

With expert support, the economic benefits of decarbonisation can be fully exploited without distracting from day-to-day business and at a fraction of the cost. This is because up to 75% of the consulting costs incurred can be subsidised under the consulting subsidy programme.

The consulting support is divided into parts A and B, for which two to five consulting days can be credited. Generally, a project comprises five consultant days: with a subsidy rate of 75%, you receive this five-day consultation for a contribution of only €1,500. While the consulting services in part A are available to all companies, those in part B are reserved for companies that have entered into a climate protection agreement with the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.

• Preparation of a GHG balance sheet for Scope 1 and 2 emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol
• Performance of a scope 3 materiality analysis
• Calculation of emissions of up to three Scope 3 categories
• Identification of savings potentials, reduction measures or suitable compensation projects
• Target setting and communication of the reduction pathway, e.g. with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
• Enabling independent calculation in subsequent years thanks to training and preparation
• Entry into the development of a company-specific sustainability strategy with a focus on climate protection, climate risks and adaptation measures
• Support in the (further) development of your sustainability reporting in accordance with CSRD requirements
• Implementation of climate risk analyses and the development of resilience strategies
• Identification of taxonomy-aligned economic activities

Overview of investment support: with funding towards a climate-friendly future

The investment support offers companies in Baden-Wuerttemberg the opportunity to receive up to €80,000 in grants. Among other things, the costs of planning, investing in and installing new equipment, as well as expenses for training or other costs associated with commissioning, are eligible for funding.

• Projects that integrate biological processes into industrial processes
• Solutions that enable the recycling and recovery of raw materials, thereby contributing to GHG reduction
• Technical, organisational or structural changes that lead to GHG avoidance or reduction

Measures that are already required by law or that make companies dependent on fossil technologies and thus hinder or prevent the switch to more environmentally friendly technologies are excluded.

Climate protection made easy: we support you on your journey

• Cost savings through increased material and energy efficiency
• Future security and resilience in the face of growing regulatory requirements
• Positive and sustainable brand perception
• Optimisation of your carbon footprint and utilisation of further funding opportunities
• Increased competitiveness through innovative, sustainable solutions
  
  

Let's take the next step together!

As experienced sustainability consultants, we accompany you from start to finish and ensure that you take full advantage of the ‘Companies protect the climate’ funding programme. For details of our comprehensive range of services, visit our website. Contact us today for a non-binding introductory meeting to discover how you can benefit from the funding, or carry out our free sustainability check for your company!

Text: Hannah Zachskorn