Abstract
Governments in the GCC have committed huge investments to decarbonization of the built environment in order to meet ambitious climate targets. Yet, very little is known about the commercial realities that shape energy efficiency in the built environment industry. Thus, this paper aims to develop a typology of business models operating in this industry. Data was collected on 165 established firms and start-ups in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Content analysis will be used to develop a novel typology of sustainable buildings’ business models operating in the GCC countries. Our findings suggest a novel typology distinguishing between six existing business model architypes: Design-based, optimization-based, performance-based, compliance-based, solution-based and advisory-based business models. This typology equips policymakers with a tool that helps them to design a more effective interventions to spearhead the development of new business models that align with climate policy priorities.