Assessing if a digital platform could facilitate the energy efficiency improvement of private buildings in Belgium

Abstract

We are facing a global warming, and this can no longer be ignored. Climate change became a major societal and economic issue. On December 19, 2019, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen presented the European Green Deal that aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. One of the required actions in order to reach this goal is to ensure buildings becomes more energy efficient as this sector accounts for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. The aim of this research is to evaluate the business opportunity to develop through a multi-sided platform (MSP) a viable and profitable business model that facilitate sustainable renovation works. Findings of the study should allow to answer to the question “Could a digital platform facilitate the energy efficiency improvement of private buildings in Belgium?”.

The theoretical part of the research is supported by a PESTEL analysis for the analysis of the macro-environment and by Porter’s Five Forces framework for the analysis of the micro-environment. This after having describe the construction industry. In the practical part of the research, hypotheses of work were established and tested on the field with people concerned by sustainable renovation work. Non-directive interviews were conduct for the gathering of qualitative information and questionnaires were sent for the quantitative information. A business model was designed using the Business Model Canvas and supported by the Value Proposition Canvas. Finally, a business plan using a pessimistic, neutral and optimistic scenario have been done.

The research lead to the conclusion that such platform is feasible, creates value both for professional customers and users and the business model should be profitable. We may reasonably answer the research question by stating: “Yes, a digital platform could facilitate the energy efficiency improvement of private buildings in Belgium”.