ecobim: Value driven life cycle based sustainable business models

Value Driven Life Cycle Based Sustainable Business Models (ecobim, 2012-2014) is a European research project coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland under ECOINNOVERA programme. The project consortium includes SMEs from Finland, Germany and France and the French building research centre CSTB. ecobim’s main aim is to develop sustainable construction business models to support paradigm change in eco-innovation. ecobim will draw recommendations to policy makers for its successful implementation covering the whole value chain. A roadmap for new business models will be developed for sustainable construction procurement in collaboration with SMEs. The life-cycle approach considers a wide perspective to adapt to different realities accommodating changes and allowing room for innovation.

Case studies in North, Central and South Europe link ecobim’s business model to SMEs’ daily practice covering the European dimension and providing business opportunities for the common marketplace. The case studies are national but interactive information exchange ensures covering the whole value chain and considering local features. ecobim intends to positively and widely impact the sustainability of the community while focusing mainly in changing the present paradigm of construction business models, therefore resulting in an improved quality of life for citizens and new business opportunities for the participating partners. This will be supported by better integration of ICT tools, based on PLM (Process Lifecycle Management) to foster collaboration between stakeholders. This paper presents first findings and ambitious objectives of the project.