Did you know? Today is Energy Saving Day. Of course, you shouldn’t only save energy on 5th of March – but today is certainly a day to think about it more intensively.
Is it possible for a company to create new business models by saving energy?
Let’s take the example of Germany. Thanks to the innovation support program “Pilot Program for Energy Savings Meters”, a lively start-up culture has emerged. More than 50 digital platforms and start-ups are developing digital energy-saving solutions. Further information (in German) can be found here.
Another exciting business model is an example from Switzerland: energy-saving contracting. Due to the Energy Strategy 2050, high efficiency targets must be realized in the building sector. However, this requires a high level of expertise and, above all, a lot of capital – both of which a building owner usually lacks. This is where energy performance contracting comes in as a business model:
The way it works is simple: The energy service provider sets up an energy-saving project and guarantees a certain level of energy savings. It implements the project at the customer’s premises. If the savings targets are exceeded, the energy service provider receives a bonus; if they are not met, it is penalized. The project can be financed in different ways: By the energy service provider, the customer, but also by third-party financiers. Further information can be found here
So there are plenty of opportunities to find new business models in this area, too – and at the same time to make a contribution to the climate targets.
