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Sustainable Business Model Canvas

The SBMC integrates ecological and social sustainability into business models – practical & actionable.

Why SBMC?


Traditional business models often approach value creation from a one-dimensional, financial perspective. The Sustainable Business Model Canvas (SBMC) expands this view by integrating ecological and social sustainability into your business model – in a structured, practical, and actionable way.


Key Benefits:

  • Competitive advantage through credible sustainability

  • Access to ESG investors and public funding

  • Risk mitigation and opportunity identification (e.g., circular economy models)

  • Enhanced brand trust and employee retention

  • Future-proofing through regulatory and stakeholder alignment

SBMC Implementation: Step-by-Step


1. Analyze Your Current Model

  • Load your existing Business Model Canvas (BMC)

  • For each block, evaluate:

  • Where are the environmental impacts?

  • What are the social implications (positive or negative)?

→ Use tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), stakeholder mapping, and supply chain audits.



2. Engage Stakeholders

  • Identify key actors (employees, customers, suppliers)

  • Conduct workshops or interviews to explore:

  • Expectations around sustainability

  • Suggestions or concerns related to change


3. Fill in the Canvas (Triple Layer Approach)


Use a Triple Layer Business Model Canvas:

  • Economic Layer: What remains? Where are cost-saving or revenue opportunities?

  • Environmental Layer: Which materials, processes, or logistics can be optimized?

  • Social Layer: How to enhance working conditions, equity, or community impact?


4. Define Levers & Actions

  • Identify 2–3 Quick Wins and 1–2 Strategic Levers per layer

  • Assign responsibilities and set KPIs


5. Pilot & Measure

  • Test 1–2 initiatives on a small scale (e.g., specific product line or market)

  • Monitor KPIs: e.g., customer satisfaction, material savings, emissions

  • Adjust based on results and stakeholder feedback


6. Scale & Communicate

  • Roll out successful changes across the organization

  • Report transparently (Impact Reports, certifications, storytelling)

  • Use the SBMC as a visual tool in pitches, funding applications, and partnerships

Sustainable Business Model Canvas - Quick guide


 

This project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Alpine Space programme.
This project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Alpine Space programme.

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