Typology of business model innovations for delivering zero carbon buildings

Despite the widely reported benefits of zero carbon buildings (ZCBs), the actual uptake of the ZCB approach is low in market. Building firms need to innovate their business models (BMs) to overcome market barriers. However, there is scarce research into business strategies for ZCBs. This paper aims to develop a typology of BM innovations for delivering ZCBs from the perspective of developers and clients. This typology reflects the common features of BM innovations and can be used to help assess the performance of innovative BMs. The research was conducted through theoretical analysis of BM innovation and exploratory case studies of five real-life ZCB projects selected from Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK. The eight components of BMs at ZCB project level were found to be distinct from, or largely to extend, those at organizational level. The developed typology integrates three theoretical dimensions: value offering and associated project process, stakeholder network, and institutional boundary. The findings should help characterize and evaluate business solutions for delivering ZCB projects successfully.