Business GreenPrint: Sustainability and Business Growth in Kosovo

The Business GreenPrint event brought together representatives of the private sector, financial institutions, international organisations, and development partners to explore how innovation, investment, and business leadership are embracing sustainability and Kosovo’s green transition.

The event was organised as part of the “Mendo Gjelbër, Vepro Gjelbër” / “Think Green, Act Green” climate awareness campaign supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ Kosovo, in cooperation with the German-Kosovar Business Association (KDWV/OEGJK). The event aimed to strengthen dialogue with the private sector on climate action, energy transition, sustainable business practices, and green investment opportunities.

Business GreenPrint served as a platform to discuss the role of businesses in Kosovo’s green transition. As climate change, energy transition, resource efficiency, and environmental standards increasingly shape economic development, businesses are becoming important actors in identifying practical solutions and advancing sustainable growth in Kosovo. The central message: sustainability is not only a responsibility, but an opportunity for innovation, resilience, and competitiveness.

The programme opened with remarks from Mr. Christian Böttcher, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Kosovo, and Mr. Besnik Vasolli, Head of the German-Kosovar Business Association. The opening remarks emphasized the importance of cooperation between businesses, development partners, financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders in supporting Kosovo’s transition towards a more sustainable economy.

A series of Green Talks followed, presenting real-life stories from local and international entrepreneurs across different sustainable sectors. Mentor Pllana, CEO of Instabuilt, shared insights on modular construction and smarter building practices. Rico Koch, Head of International Project Development at NOTUS energy, spoke to the relevance of renewable energy and the energy transition for Kosovo's economy. Patrisa Pruthi, Creative Director of EchoNut, offered the startup perspective, presenting the potential of bio-based materials and circular design from Kosovo.

Together, these examples demonstrated that sustainable business takes many forms, from cleaner energy and more efficient construction methods to circular materials and innovative product design. By showcasing concrete experiences,  Green Talks connected broader climate and sustainability objectives with workable business models and market-based solutions.

The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Green Meets Growth: Kosovo’s Investment Climate”, moderated by Uran Haxha. The panel brought together Lindita Xhaferi Salihu from the UNFCCC, Krenare Zajmi Leti from ProCredit Bank, Diedon Kica from Instabuilt, and other business and sustainability voices to discuss how climate action can become more practical and accessible for private companies in Kosovo.

The conversation focused on questions that matter most to the private sector: how companies can begin to assess and reduce their environmental impact, how sustainable business ideas can become more attractive to financiers, and how green practices can contribute to long-term business resilience. The panel also reflected on the importance of access to information, practical guidance, and cooperation in helping businesses move from awareness to implementation.

Around the world, businesses are increasingly expected to respond to shifting markets, tightening environmental standards, and changing consumer expectations. Business GreenPrint created the space to ask what these trends mean for Kosovo - and how local companies can position themselves to lead in the transition rather than catch up to it.