Abstract
This chapter is dedicated to business models for green retrofitting on a more holistic approach that enables to think and integrate the economic, social and environmental perspective in a business model. The chapter is a result of research regarding new business models for green retrofitting and presents a framework for developing business models for green retrofitting in the building sector based on the Triple-Layer Business Model Canvas. The business models for green retrofitting could be an important instrument for introducing new green characteristics such as energy efficiency, optimal energy performance, and new comfort standards in the building environment. Green retrofitting is responding to the dynamics of the economic and technological development, and to the new lifestyle of the peoples. The implementation of such a model will be also a catalyst for reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases in the building environment.
TopGreen Buildings And Green Retrofitting
Green buildings represent an integrative concept similarly to an umbrella that encompasses closed terms, such as: zero emission building, zero energy building, zero carbon building, passive house, zero net energy or carbon neutral (Riedy et al., 2011).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Green Building: A building that in all its development phases from project design up to its use phase has a low impact on the environment, is using recyclable materials that are health for its occupants, is implementing a high level of energy efficiency, is looking for reducing the water consumption, is using renewable energy sources and is assuring an appropriate comfort.
Business model: Method of the enterprise to describe key structural and operational characteristics, the way it earns revenue and delivers profit in the current business environment, starting from the value of the business idea.
Retrofitting: Adding components or accessories to buildings that did not have it when these where initial constructed in order to improve the building performance
Green Retrofitting: Upgrade at an existing building that is wholly or partially occupied to improve energy and environmental performance, reduce water use, improve comfort and quality of space in terms of natural lighting, air quality and noise, all done in a way that it is financially beneficial to the owner
Triple Layer Business Model: Tool that integrates the economic, environmental and social dimensions into a more complex concept of a business model
Energy Performance Contracting (EPC): Business model that offers final energy services based on energy cost savings related to a mean value of the energy consumption in the last year or another reference value.
Sustainability: Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Integrated Energy-Contracting (IEC): Business models that integrates the useful energy supply (ESC), especially in the case of green sources with measurements of energy conservation (EPC) in the entire building
Energy Supply Contracting (ESC): Business model based on the provision of useful energy, such as electricity, heat or steam to a building owner or user, through a long-term contract (e.g. 10 to 15 years).