Product-as-a-Service in Construction: Circular Business Models for Sustainable Growth

Case

Discover how Jansen The Building Company, together with Möbius, developed an innovative Comfort-as-a-Service model for climate ceilings, focused on circularity, customer value and stable revenue streams.

Product-as-a-Service business models in construction.

Are you looking for a way to bring your product to market through a circular business model? Then you will quickly come across an as-a-service or Product-as-a-Service model. More and more companies are exploring this approach, both within the construction sector and in industries such as technology and fashion.

An as-a-service model enables organisations to operate more sustainably while strengthening customer relationships at the same time. By offering services throughout the entire lifecycle of a product, companies create greater customer value as well as a continuous and stable revenue stream for themselves. Motivated by these advantages, Jansen The Building Company, a top-tier contractor specialising in interior fit-out and technical installations, decided to further explore the strategic and financial opportunities of an as-a-service model.

“Through insightful exercises and targeted questions, the Möbius team helped us develop a clear understanding of the CAAS model. This was achieved through a compact programme that we were able to complete within a relatively short timeframe. We greatly appreciated their professional approach and expertise throughout the collaboration.”

- Nadia Jansen

A strategic step towards Comfort-as-a-Service

At Jansen The Building Company, sustainable innovation is central to the organisation’s continued growth. Following interest from several clients, the company decided to test a specific form of the as-a-service model in practice. Their climate ceiling system (an intelligent solution combining heating, cooling, lighting, acoustics and aesthetics) proved to be the ideal fit.

This led to the creation of the Comfort-as-a-Service model, or CAAS for short. Within this model, clients benefit from a complete end-to-end service through one fixed monthly fee covering installation, maintenance and any necessary repairs.

From concept to robust business case

To further develop the concept, Möbius was brought in. Through a combination of workshops and in-depth research, Möbius gathered all the necessary insights to refine the service model’s value proposition. Key questions included: what are the client’s main concerns, how does a service model address these concerns, and how does it simultaneously create added value for Jansen?

The comfort-as-a-service business model

Together with management, a clear vision for Comfort-as-a-Service was developed step by step. The process started by defining the scope of the business model. This included determining which product the model would apply to, in which configuration and for which customer segments. In addition, the performance guarantee was clearly established: what level of performance can clients expect throughout the entire lifecycle of the climate ceiling?

Aligning the business model with customer needs

The business model was then further shaped around the actual needs of customers. This included examining the integration of monitoring systems to continuously track performance, refurbishment possibilities and the various end-of-life scenarios for the product.

A dynamic financial model for key business questions

In parallel, Möbius developed a dynamic financial model that provided insight into key financial considerations. The model enabled Jansen to analyse the impact of transitioning to a CAAS model on its financial position, working capital and financing requirements. Topics such as pricing for the climate ceiling system were also included. In collaboration with Econocom, this ultimately resulted in a solid and financially viable business case.

A strong foundation for sustainable growth

Thanks to this project, Jansen The Building Company now has a strong foundation for successfully bringing the CAAS model to market. Management can rely on a well-substantiated sales pitch as well as a detailed cost calculation supported by the dynamic financial model. In addition, the company worked together with Möbius through the full strategic thinking process required to build a sustainable and future-oriented business model.

FAQ

Learn more about the Product-as-a-Service model in construction

What is a Product-as-a-Service model?

A Product-as-a-Service model, also referred to as as-a-service, is a business model in which customers no longer purchase a product outright but instead pay for its use or performance. The supplier remains responsible for installation, maintenance, repairs and often also replacement or recycling at the end of the product’s lifecycle.

What does Comfort-as-a-Service (CAAS) mean?

Comfort-as-a-Service is a specific application of the as-a-service model within the construction sector. Instead of simply selling a product such as a climate ceiling, the supplier offers a complete comfort solution. Installation, maintenance, monitoring and service are all included within a fixed recurring fee.

Why do companies choose an as-a-service model?

Companies increasingly choose an as-a-service model because it combines several advantages. It enables more sustainable solutions, stronger customer relationships and predictable revenue streams. In addition, it encourages circular business practices because products last longer, are easier to maintain and can more easily be reused or refurbished.

What are the benefits of Product-as-a-Service for customers?

For customers, a Product-as-a-Service model primarily means peace of mind. They do not need to worry about maintenance, repairs or unexpected costs. In addition, they gain access to high-performing and sustainable solutions without major upfront investments.

What challenges does an as-a-service model involve?

Transitioning to a service-based model requires a different way of thinking from a financial, operational and commercial perspective. Organisations must consider financing, cash flow, pricing, performance guarantees and long-term customer relationships. This is why a strong business case is essential.

How does a dynamic financial model support a CAAS model?

A dynamic financial model provides insight into the financial impact of an as-a-service model. It helps companies assess scenarios related to pricing, working capital, financing requirements and profitability, resulting in a more robust and financially feasible business case.

Why is circularity important within Product-as-a-Service?

Circularity plays a central role within Product-as-a-Service because the producer remains the owner of the product. This creates a stronger incentive to design products sustainably, maintain and repair them properly, and ultimately reuse or refurbish them. As a result, environmental impact is reduced and the lifespan of materials and systems is extended.

Which sectors are suitable for an as-a-service model?

Although as-a-service models are rapidly gaining traction within the construction sector, they are also widely used in technology, mobility, lighting, fashion and industry. Products requiring long-term maintenance, monitoring or performance guarantees are particularly well suited to this approach.