A conceptual green business model for construction companies: An empirical evaluation

Abstract

Construction companies are being challenged to adopt a greener approach to meet client needs and to gain or sustain business competiveness with the phenomenon like green market growing. However, the relation between environmental performance and economic value creation is often indirect and hard to quantify. Consequently new concepts have been called for to appreciate opportunities offered by environmental sustainability. Of these, the business model concept provides a better understanding on how the green or environmental value is captured and turned into profitable products and services. In previous work, we have formulated a conceptual green business model for construction industry. To verify and gain better understanding of the previously formulated conceptual green business model, seven expert interviews are conducted. The empirical feedback from the interviewees has been used to revise the model, document the greatest benefits associated with environmental sustainability, and identify critical stakeholders of success of green movement in the construction context and the critical organisational capabilities and management practices for green business models to be economically viable.