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Sustainable business model canvas

This learning module consists of three submodules:
1. introduction to sustainable business model canvas,

2. elements of a sustainable business model canvas,

3. adapting sustainable business model canvas to an organization.

Introduction to sustainable business model canvas

While using the business model canvas the aim is to document and organize various assumptions

regarding nine closely related building blocks. Later these building blocks are introduced
individually as each element of a sustainable business model canvas is covered further.
There are several options to utilize a business model canvas. One alternative is to visualize and
explain the current state of business model. Alternatively, it is possible to map out competitive
position while considering what kind of business models company’s competitors currently have,

and whether there are any likely changes in their business models in foreseeable future.
In a start up environment business model canvas can be applied to design and document
completely new business models.

Strengths of a business model canvas as a management tool are as follows:
It brings clarity to the existing business model or the potential business model that we would like
to apply. Communicating the idea about the current or future business model to various

stakeholders makes it possible to improve an existing business model further. One approach
could be to apply it is a one-page business plan integrating various core elements of doing
business.

While innovating a sustainable business model a business model canvas allows the company
and potential innovation partners to apply it as a platform to collaborate on various ideas to
improve overall sustainability on various perspectives.

Elements of a sustainable business model canvas

The following introduces the nine elements of a sustainable business model canvas as introduced
by Joyce and Paquin (2016). Three types of aspects are considered among the elements:
economic aspects (blue); environmental aspects (green); social aspects (yellow). This implies
that various aspects related to sustainability can be considered while mapping out the various

elements of a sustainable business model canvas described in Figure 1 below.

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