Wrapping Up Phase 1 of the TESSA Program: The Green Business Transformational Academy

Berytech is proud to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of the TESSA program, focusing on the Green Business Transformational Academy. This phase has been instrumental in empowering SMEs committed to green innovation, providing them with the skills and tools necessary to integrate sustainability into their business operations.

Phase 1: The Green Business Transformational Academy

In Phase 1, 20 SMEs were selected to participate in the Green Business Transformational Academy. These companies underwent an intensive training program, consisting of 40 sessions over three months. The program was structured into group training, sector-specific group clinics, and personalized one-on-one clinics, all tailored to the specific needs identified during the initial roundtable assessment. The key activities included:

  • Sustainable Business and the Environment: This session analyzed global challenges linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the co-evolution of nature, the environment, and the economy. It introduced Circular Business Models (CBMs) and focused on defining areas of intervention by assessing stakeholder needs, risks, and company waste production, helping each SME identify key problems and waste types.
  • Embrace Toolkit – Part 1: Problem Discovery: Capacity-building sessions were focused on identifying and turning wasted opportunities into revenue-generating ventures. Each company worked on identifying potential risks and needs through a comprehensive assessment of their operations.
  • Embrace Toolkit – Part 2: Circularity Solutions: Building on the solutions identified in Part 1, participants worked on Circular Strategies, developing feasible circularity solutions, and creating transformation roadmaps. The focus was on establishing clear, actionable plans for the green business transformation of each SME.
  • Strategy for Sustainable Business: Training on tools and strategies to foster sustainable business practices.

At the end of Phase 1, a pitching day was held to select 10 SMEs, across five key sectors—Media, Healthcare, Food Processing, and Manufacturing—based on specific criteria, to continue into Phase 2.

The selection and evaluation of the SMEs were based on the following criteria:

  • Triple Bottom Line (People – Planet – Profit): Assessing the project’s overall impact on society (people), the environment (planet), and economic benefits (profit). This includes considering social inclusiveness, environmental protection, and profitability.
  • Roadmap: Reviewing the clarity and feasibility of the project’s plan and timeline, including well-defined milestones and actionable steps.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Evaluating the originality of the project, new approaches, and creative problem-solving techniques.
  • Scalability: Assessing the potential for the project to expand or be replicated in different contexts.
  • Viability – Feasibility of the Project: Determining the practicality and likelihood of successful implementation, considering available resources, technical requirements, and potential challenges.
  • Employment: Evaluating the project’s potential to create and sustain quality jobs, including the quantity, quality, and sustainability of the employment created.
  • Commitment and Deliverables: Assessing the team’s dedication to the project and their ability to deliver on promises, based on past performance and clearly defined deliverables.

Phase 2: Tailored Technical Support

The 10 selected SMEs will advance to Phase 2, where they will receive tailored technical assistance to address their individualized technical and business requirements outlined in their support roadmaps.

In addition, these SMEs will benefit from financial specialists for business support, providing access to finance and green support customized to their needs. This support will include technical assistance, advisory, or consultancy services.

The 10 Selected SMEs

We are thrilled to introduce the 10 SMEs that have been chosen to continue to Phase 2 of the TESSA program:

  1. Annahar Media Group:

Annahar Media Group is optimizing the use and consumption of digital content, reducing the digital carbon footprint per user and overall. The online academy will equip community members with skills provided by Arabic instructors, contributing to the creation of more job opportunities.

  1. Bekaa Hospital:

Bekaa Hospital is combining various initiatives within its lab department, aimed at developing partnerships with neighboring hospitals to enhance resource sharing and optimize workflows for greater efficiency. This approach is expected to reduce costs, improve efficiency, provide environmental benefits, and decrease contamination.

  1. Delifraicheur:

Delifraicheur’s primary by-product from smoked salmon production—resulting from cleaning, deboning, and smoking—is fish leftovers. The company has identified an opportunity to repurpose these leftovers into a valuable product for the highly profitable pet food industry. Their goal is to transform this waste into high-quality pet food.

  1. LAU Medical Center Rizk Hospital:

LAU Medical Center Rizk Hospital will install a solar system on both the hospital and school roofs, connecting them into a unified energy grid. The school will benefit from increased kilowatt-hour (kWh) production, allowing it to shut down its generators. Meanwhile, the medical center will reduce its non-renewable energy consumption by up to 16%. This integrated solar system will result in:

  • Reduced operational costs
  • Lower emissions
  • Compliance with environmental standards and regulations
  1. Algorithm Pharmaceuticals:

Algorithm Pharmaceuticals is implementing the CHP system, which exploits the heat of the generator to recover energy, allowing for longer use at a decreased cost.

  1. Societe Des Huiles et Derives:

Societe Des Huiles et Derives is turning used oils into biodiesel through two key components:

  • A take-back system that collects used oils from our customers and general oil consumers in the Lebanese market.
  • A recycling process that converts the collected oils into biodiesel and glycerine.
  1. SICOMO:

SICOMO is implementing a filtration system for treated wastewater that emerges at the final stage of the process. The objective is to recover fresh water and extract valuable fibers. This closed-loop system will effectively filter out impurities and suspended solids, yielding clean water that can be reused in their operations. Simultaneously, the retained fibers will be collected for potential recycling or other value-added applications, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.

  1. UNIPAK Tissue Mill division:

UNIPAK Tissue Mill Division is reducing the need to burn material for energy by integrating a two-layer solution of energy recovery and exchange:

  • From excess steam water (Steam-Water HE) (HRboiler).
  • From condensate water (Water to water heat exchanger) both contributing towards our feedwater loop.
  1. Centre Hospitalier De Bhannes:

Centre Hospitalier De Bhannes is converting all kitchen and garden biowaste into biogas through a sustainable process. This includes organic waste such as food scraps, plant trimmings, and other biodegradable materials. This will create a renewable energy source that can be used for heating, electricity, or fuel, while also reducing landfill waste and minimizing environmental impact.

  1. Tony’s Food:

Tony’s Food is developing shelf-stable dough that will transition from freezer to dry storage, significantly reducing energy and transportation costs while freeing up storage space. This shift enhances supply chain efficiency, lowers GHG emissions, and supports sustainability. The product’s longer shelf life and ease of storage will boost consumer convenience, likely driving higher sales and profitability.

These SMEs represent a diverse array of industries and approaches, but all share a common goal: to integrate sustainability into their core business strategies and lead by example in the transition towards a greener economy.

While only 10 SMEs were selected to advance to Phase 2, we would like to acknowledge the efforts and potential of the following SMEs, which also participated in Phase 1: Beirut Souks; Beirut Waterfront Development; Lebafarm; Lebanon Bakery; PETCO; Serum and Solutions; and Société Libanaise de Carton.

These companies have shown great promise and are encouraged to continue applying the skills and insights gained during the Green Business Transformational Academy.

About TESSA Project

TESSA is funded by Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo and co-funded by the Gouvernement Princier – Principauté de Monaco. The project is implemented by ICU in partnership with Enea, Elis Innovation Hub, Fondation Diane, and Berytech.

Picture of Raghid Jarrah

Raghid Jarrah

Raghid Jarrah joined Berytech in July 2021 and is currently a Communication and Outreach Coordinator. He supports the team on various ongoing projects such as ARYAF, DAWERR, REAF, SAFI, TESSA, WE4F, and others.

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