A Driver Business Model: Triple Layer Business Canvas Model for Integrating Drivers of the Energy Efficiency Market in Europe

This paper investigates the transformative potential of sustainable Business Models in the European energy efficiency market, specifically focusing on SMEs. It critically examines various stakeholders, their barriers and drivers, and the difficulties in benchmarking and verifying energy savings in SMEs’ energy efficiency projects. By addressing these issues, the paper proposes integrating drivers into one sustainable business model. It maps them in a triple-layer business canvas model (TLBCM) to highlight the comprehensive value proposition of utilising these drivers in an integrated way. This new business model is strategically designed to address economic, environmental, and social aspects of energy efficiency, making it a robust solution for SMEs. Economically, it reduces financial burdens by creating innovative financing mechanisms and dual revenue streams from energy sales and savings. Environmentally, it advocates for producing and using green energy at SME locations, contributing to the sector’s decarbonization. Socially, the model fosters trust and collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing the commitment to energy-saving practices and generating significant social benefits. By offering a structured approach that combines economic viability with environmental responsibility and social impact, this model emerges as a pioneering solution in the European energy efficiency market, highlighting the importance of data mining to develop digital platforms that can enhance feasibility, cost-benefit analysis, lifecycle analysis, environmental impact assessment and benchmarking capabilities for micro and macro energy efficiency projects utilising the proposed TLBCM. This facilitates sustainable energy efficiency practices among SMEs and can set a benchmark for future energy efficiency initiatives, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated approaches in achieving sustainable development goals. This paper contributes to the field by proposing a novel TLBCM for an integrated approach to address the multifaceted challenges in the SME energy efficiency sector. This model has limitations considering its theoretical nature; hence further research, empirical testing, and validation in real-world settings are required.