Téma ismertetése

  • Introduction

    An image representing Social Economy environment

    Social Enterprises offer significant benefits for municipalities by enhancing public services in areas such as waste management, renewable energy, and social welfare. Their emphasis on participatory governance and transparent operations fosters greater community engagement and civic trust.

    Additionally, Social Enterprises enable municipalities to adapt to financial constraints by leveraging innovative financing models and community resources to achieve green and social objectives cost-effectively. Last but not least, Social Enterprises drive sustainability often with innovative solutions to local challenges, which help municipalities achieve their sustainability goals.

    "Greener" municipalities can also attract international investments as large companies now choose their location also according to, for instance, renewable energy supply so that they can decrease their carbon footprint. Thus, if a municipality provides an energy mix free of or with very low carbon, this can be an attractive prospect for companies to (re)locate there.

  • Social enterprises in ESG projects: The role SEs play in supporting greener and more inclusive policies

    This unit explores how Social Enterprises (SEs) advance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives by prioritising social and environmental emissions over profit. SEs tackle global challenges with innovative solutions, reinvesting earnings to create meaningful impact.

    From promoting renewable energy and recycling to empowering marginalised communities and fostering inclusive governance, SEs demonstrate how businesses can contribute meaningfully to sustainability and equity. Real-world examples, such as Som Energia's green energy initiatives and Grameen Bank's microfinance for women, illustrate their power to drive change.

    The participants will learn how SEs help municipalities address challenges, such as affordable housing, exemplified by Helsinki’s intergenerational housing programme