{"id":25671,"date":"2026-03-03T22:23:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T20:23:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/glossary\/sustainable-business-model\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:43:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:43:41","slug":"sustainable-business-model","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/sustainable-business-model\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Business Model"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- TL;DR Box --><\/p>\n<h2>Further reading<\/h2>\n<div style=\"margin-top:0.5rem;\">\n<ul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.5rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/innovation-process-the-5-phases-of-successful-innovation-in-companies\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Innovation Process: 5 Phases for Successful Innovation<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.5rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-canvas-guide-examples-and-practical-tips-for-smes\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Business Model Canvas: Guide &amp; Examples for SMEs<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:0.5rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/digital-transformation-in-smes-a-guide-for-smes-in-the-dach-region\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Digital Transformation for SMEs: A Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#f0f1f3;padding:1.2em 1.5em;margin-bottom:2em;border-radius:8px;\">\n<strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong> A sustainable business model combines economic profitability with ecological and social responsibility. It creates value for customers, society, and the environment\u2014thereby securing long-term competitiveness. Sustainability is becoming a strategic driver for innovation and differentiation.\n<\/div>\n<nav style=\"background:#f9f9f9;padding:1.5rem 2rem;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:2rem;\">\n<strong style=\"font-size:1.1rem;\">Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"margin:0.75rem 0 0;padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n<li><a href=\"#definition\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">What is a sustainable business model?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#triple\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#muster\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Patterns of sustainable business models<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#entwicklung\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Developing a sustainable business model<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#kmu\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Sustainability in SMEs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#regulierung\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">ESG, CSRD, and the regulatory framework<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Frequently asked questions about sustainable business models<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">What is a sustainable business model?<\/h2>\n<p>A <strong>sustainable business model<\/strong> integrates environmental and social value creation into the company\u2019s core logic\u2014not as an add-on, but as a strategic foundation. It describes how a company can be economically successful while also having a positive impact on the environment and society. <\/p>\n<p>In contrast to traditional CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) measures, sustainability here is not an &#8220;add-on&#8221; but is anchored in the <a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business model<\/a> itself: in the <a href=\"\/glossar\/value-proposition\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">value proposition<\/a>, in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">value chain<\/a>, in the revenue model, and in the customer relationship.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"triple\">Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit<\/h2>\n<p>The Triple Bottom Line concept (John Elkington, 1994) provides the framework:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>People (Social):<\/strong> Fair working conditions, diversity, societal contribution, stakeholder orientation<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planet (Environmental):<\/strong> Resource conservation, CO\u2082 reduction, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/circular-economy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">circular economy<\/a>, biodiversity<\/li>\n<li><strong>Profit (Economic):<\/strong> Long-term profitability, fair <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/pricing-strategy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">pricing<\/a>, sustainable growth models<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sustainable business models aim to balance all three dimensions. The challenge is to identify trade-offs and leverage synergies where environmental and social benefits also strengthen economic success. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"muster\">Patterns of sustainable business models<\/h2>\n<p>Various archetypes of sustainable business models have become established:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Circular economy models:<\/strong> Product-as-a-service, take-back, refurbishment\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/circular-economy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">circular economy<\/a> as a business principle<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sufficiency models:<\/strong> Consciously produce less, but better\u2014durability instead of planned obsolescence<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social enterprise:<\/strong> Social mission as the core purpose, economic activity as the means<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sharing economy:<\/strong> Shared use via <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-economy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">platforms<\/a> reduces resource consumption<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impact-as-a-Service:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">servitization<\/a> with measurable environmental or social impact<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regenerative models:<\/strong> Not only avoiding harm, but actively contributing to the regeneration of ecosystems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"entwicklung\">Developing a sustainable business model<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Impact analysis:<\/strong> Where does your current business model have the largest environmental and social footprint? Where are the levers? <\/li>\n<li><strong>Stakeholder analysis:<\/strong> What do customers, employees, investors, and society expect regarding sustainability? <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/target-audience-analysis\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Target group analysis<\/a> with a sustainability focus<\/li>\n<li><strong>Business model innovation:<\/strong> Expand the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-canvas\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Business Model Canvas<\/a> with sustainability dimensions\u2014e.g., with the Sustainable Business Model Canvas<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sharpen the value proposition:<\/strong> Extend <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/usp-unique-selling-proposition\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">USP<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/brand-positioning\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">positioning<\/a> with sustainability benefits<\/li>\n<li><strong>Measure and report:<\/strong> Define KPIs for all three dimensions\u2014transparency builds trust and credibility<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/design-thinking\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Design Thinking<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/lean-startup\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Lean Startup methods<\/a> to develop and validate sustainable business model innovations.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"kmu\">Sustainability in SMEs<\/h2>\n<p>For <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/mittelstand-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">SMEs<\/a>, sustainability offers particular opportunities:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Differentiation:<\/strong> Sustainability as a <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/brand-building\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">brand advantage<\/a> over corporations, which are often perceived as less authentic<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regionality:<\/strong> Local value creation, short supply chains, and regional ties are natural sustainability advantages<\/li>\n<li><strong>Skilled workers:<\/strong> Sustainable companies are more attractive to young talent\u2014a growing competitive advantage<\/li>\n<li><strong>Customer loyalty:<\/strong> Transparency and responsibility strengthen trust in long-term customer relationships<\/li>\n<li><strong>Future resilience:<\/strong> Early adaptation to regulation and market trends saves costs later<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Getting started can be gradual: begin with a CO\u2082 footprint, then systematically redesign business model elements to be more sustainable.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"regulierung\">ESG, CSRD, and the regulatory framework<\/h2>\n<p>Regulatory requirements are increasing rapidly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>CSRD:<\/strong> The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requires more and more companies to provide standardized sustainability reporting<\/li>\n<li><strong>ESG criteria:<\/strong> Environmental, Social, Governance\u2014increasingly relevant for financing and business partners<\/li>\n<li><strong>EU taxonomy:<\/strong> Classification of sustainable economic activities\u2014the basis for green financing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Supply Chain Act:<\/strong> Due diligence obligations along the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">value chain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Companies that strategically integrate sustainability into their business model do not only meet requirements\u2014they use regulatory change as a driver of innovation.<\/p>\n<p><!-- CTA Box --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f,#2563eb);color:#fff;padding:2rem;border-radius:12px;margin:2rem 0;text-align:center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color:#fff;margin-top:0;\">Would you like to make your business model sustainable and future-proof?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:1.1rem;\">We combine business model innovation with sustainability strategy\u2014for economic success and positive impact.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-innovation-services\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#1e3a5f;padding:0.75rem 2rem;border-radius:8px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;margin-top:0.5rem;\">\u2192 Schedule a consultation now<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- FAQ --><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-section\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<div>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">Is a sustainable business model less profitable?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>No\u2014numerous studies show that sustainable companies are at least as profitable in the long term as conventional ones. Cost savings through resource efficiency, higher customer loyalty, and premium pricing potential through sustainability positioning all have a positive effect on profitability. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">How do I avoid greenwashing?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Through authenticity and transparency: Only make promises you can substantiate. Use recognized standards and certifications. Communicate challenges and progress honestly as well. Sustainability must be embedded in the business model, not only in marketing.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">Which frameworks help with development?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Helpful frameworks include the Sustainable Business Model Canvas, B Corp Assessment, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and Doughnut Economics. For business model development, the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Design with a sustainability extension are suitable. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">From when does my company have to prepare a sustainability report?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>The CSRD obligation is being expanded step by step: Large companies will report from 2025 (for 2024), and SMEs in regulated markets from 2027. SMEs that are not required to report should also prepare, as large customers are increasingly requesting sustainability data from suppliers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;padding:0;margin-bottom:0.75rem;\">\n<summary style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;list-style:none;\">What frameworks exist for developing sustainable business models?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem 1.2rem;\">The Sustainable Business Model Canvas extends the traditional canvas with environmental and social dimensions, while the Flourishing Business Canvas integrates purpose, planet, and people alongside profit. The Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit) and B Corp certification framework provide evaluation structures. The circular economy framework focuses on eliminating waste through reuse, recycling, and regeneration. Most companies start by mapping their current model, identifying environmental and social hotspots, then systematically redesigning components to create value for all stakeholders.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Verwandte Begriffe --><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top:2.5em;padding-top:1.5em;border-top:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">\n<strong>Related terms:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;margin-top:0.5rem;\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/circular-economy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Circular Economy<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Business Model Innovation<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Servitization<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Value chain<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/brand-positioning\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Brand Positioning<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/glossar\/value-proposition\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Value Proposition Design<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-economy\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Platform Economy<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/mittelstand-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Mittelstand Innovation<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-canvas\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Business Model Canvas<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-culture\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">Innovation Culture<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Further reading Innovation Process: 5 Phases for Successful Innovation Business Model Canvas: Guide &amp; Examples for SMEs Digital Transformation for SMEs: A Guide Key takeaways: A sustainable business model combines&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24529,"parent":25140,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25671","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Point-of-New-Business-Model-Innovation-Benedikt-Hasibeder-scaled.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25671","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25671"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25671\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28316,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25671\/revisions\/28316"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25671"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}