Author: sEaNERGIA Baltic Cluster
New types of business models are developing rapidly. There is no one-size-fits-all, which is why there is such a large variety of circular economy solutions being introduced. However, some trends, such as product-as-a-service and the sharing economy, are changing our production and consumption patterns. Some companies are changing their business model from selling a product to selling a service.
In general, these business models allow the company to retain ownership of the product (and thus also the resource) and keep the product in the loop for reuse, re-manufacturing and extension of its life-time. At the same time, the customer pays for the use and not the ownership of the products, which saves both money and resources. A circular economy is highly driven by the digitalization and platform models that allow consumers to share and utilize available resources and assets. Moreover, new business models for circular economy, given cross-sectoral value provision and incentive alignment between all actors engaged in the value chain (all sellers, intermediaries and buyers) emphasize the need for value creation for every participant and their participation in the revenue stream. Currently, there is a lack of frameworks for supporting business model innovation in companies in the context of a circular economy. The current tools do not offer the needed understanding in the changing business environment and breaking up of current value chains. Furthermore, the impact of the circular economy models and sustainability should be understood through value creation for all stakeholders and sectors.
Several business models have been prepared within ECCA project on the base of data
gathered from the members of the European Circular Construction Alliance via online survey. All information collected during that survey allowed to refine the thematic areas that has been identified in Work package. Moreover, analysis of all selected thematic areas takes into account the target markets which have been indicated by the respondents as promising.
These cross- sectoral value provision scheme and generalized business model description can be a starting point for mapping and development of individual business models of particular company in the value chain, finally leading to the optimisation of cross- sectoral value provision scheme.
The following values are being proposed within ECCA project for the selected thematic areas (1) Smart Buildings, (2) CDW management, (3) Wood-based building & refurbishment system, (4) BIM connected building components reuse and performance database, (5) Bioclimatic buildings and retrofitting:
- Radical increase in efficiency of resource use, sharing, separation and collection, modular design, integrated eco/sustainable design.
- Industrial and R&D waste valorization in construction, on-site recycling.
- Maximum wood resources utilization by transforming them into smaller dimensions – leading to closed material loops.
- Second-hand marketplace which helps guide the products through the supply chain and facilitates reuse via both purchase and lease democratized component tagging, third party appraisal to minimize information asymmetry and the resulting market failure.
- Bioconstruction as full regeneration of the natural environment, integrated eco/sustainable design of new and retrofitted buildings.
