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Business Models for Energy Efficiency Services: Four Archetypes Based on User-Centeredness and Dynamic Capabilities

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Business Models for Sustainability Transitions

Abstract

Energy Efficiency Services (EES) represent a promising solution to increase energy efficiency and contribute to reducing emissions. Unfortunately, they are still underdeveloped and companies delivering them are struggling to remain viable. In this chapter, we study EES through the lens of business models. We propose that business models of companies delivering EES can be analyzed along two conceptual dimensions: how user centered they are and what dynamic capabilities they require. We use this framework to analyze 46 cases in five European countries and South Korea. Four business model archetypes emerge, with varying degrees (low, medium, high) of user-centeredness and a focus on different dynamic capabilities. Based on the insights from our qualitative analysis, we discuss the opportunities and barriers for further market uptake of EES and possible policy interventions.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Technology Collaboration Programme User-Centred Energy Systems by the International Energy Agency. We thank the national experts involved in the project for their support in the analysis and data gathering. We are also grateful to the editors of this book, in particular Peter Wells, for their suggestions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duneworks, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    Ruth Mourik

  2. Department of Human Geography and Planning, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Carolina Castaldi

  3. Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    Boukje Huijben

Authors
  1. Ruth Mourik
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  2. Carolina Castaldi
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  3. Boukje Huijben
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carolina Castaldi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Business Development & Technology, Aarhus University, Herning, Denmark

    Annabeth Aagaard

  2. European Sustainability Department, ESCP Business School, Berlin, Germany

    Florian Lüdeke-Freund

  3. Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

    Peter Wells

Appendix

Appendix

Table A Overview of cases, classified by energy solution type (rows) and business model archetypes (columns)
Full size table

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Mourik, R., Castaldi, C., Huijben, B. (2021). Business Models for Energy Efficiency Services: Four Archetypes Based on User-Centeredness and Dynamic Capabilities. In: Aagaard, A., Lüdeke-Freund, F., Wells, P. (eds) Business Models for Sustainability Transitions. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77580-3_11

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