Eco-innovations in value driven sustainable building processes: Need for new business models, opportunities for SMEs

Sustainable construction business models can support paradigm change in ecoinnovation by means of providing a systemic and dynamic approach including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) covering social, environmental and economic aspects in direct collaboration with SMEs. The endorsement of policy makers supports successful implementation of novel and innovative businesses covering the whole value chain. SMEs play a very important role in the construction innovation ecosystem. To create new business opportunities for SMEs in a complex and rapidly changing environment, simplicity and agility are key factors to be taken into account. life cycle approach considers a wide perspective, to adapt to different realities while being able to accommodate changes and allow room for innovation. Interactions between information and processes will be in the heart of the expected change and will be an important element of the roadmap for policy makers under development. Efficient use of Building Information Models (BIMs), Product or Project Lifecycle Managemen (PLM), and flexible LCA tools based on indicators are seen as potential means for success. The presentations held during this Special Session will address the following issues: Opportunities in managing the life cycle process, How are stakeholder needs addressed to add value?, Tools supporting new business models, Networking platform for eco-innovation. Findings from this Special Session will be widely disseminated through the various communication channels. This Special Session is organized in an interactive way. The short presentations addressing previously listed key topics are commented by representatives of different sectors (policy makers, building owners, main contractors) that are requested from Conference delegates from different geographical regions. The audience is also activated to take part in discussion and development of the discoursed ideas further.