Practical Guidance for Sustainable Strategies

The PREPSOIL Business Model Canvas (BMC) for Soil Living Labs (LLs) and Lighthouses (LHs) is a tailor-made tool created to support these initiatives in designing strategies for long-term stability. Built with the specific needs of Soil LLs and LHs in mind, the canvas offers a structured yet flexible framework to guide decision-making and communicate value to stakeholders.   []

Real-World Insights, Rooted in Practice

As part of the PREPSOIL process, practical insights were gathered across a range of activities supporting LL and LH business model development. These examples reflect the lived experience of LLs and have been mapped to the various elements of the BMC.

To help users navigate this knowledge, the insights have been classified based on their relevance:

  • Common to all LLs – insights that apply regardless of the LL’s theme or land use context
  • Common to Soil LLs – applicable to any LL focused on soil-related challenges
  • Land use-specific – tailored for LLs working in agriculture, forestry, (post-)industrial, or (peri-)urban settings

Explore the Filterable Catalogue

In this page, you'll find a filterable catalogue of insights linked to specific BMC elements and spheres of intervention. You can browse by:

  • Land Use Focus – agriculture, forestry, (post-)industrial, or (peri-)urban
  • Element – e.g., Key Stakeholders, Value Proposition, Revenue Streams
  • Sphere of Intervention – thematic focus within each element

For example, an agricultural LL looking for real-world insights of private sector engagement can select “Agriculture” under the Focus filter, and “Private Sector” under the 4. Key Stakeholders element.

These insights are intended to guide and inspire LLs and LHs as they build their own business models—recognizing that each lab’s ambition, capacity, and local context is unique.

Projects funded under the EU Mission Soil initiative should also ensure that their business models reflect the objectives outlined in the Mission Soil Implementation Plan, as well as the land use type they aim to address. This focus is essential for shaping effective and sustainable strategies.

Additional Resources

PREPSOIL Report on LL/LH Business Model Plans (D4.2)

A deeper dive into the methodology and development process behind the BMC.

Business Model Canvas for Soil Living Labs and Lighthouses: A Guide for Users

Detailed instructions and guiding questions for completing each section of the canvas.

 

Reduced exposure to soil contaminants, leading to improved public health outcomes

(Post-)Industrial land use type
Social

Potential cost savings in stormwater management and increased property values

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Economic

Better water retention and reduced runoff, decreasing flood risks

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Economic

Informing and influencing urban planning and environmental policies

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Economic

Improved soil fertility and structure through sustainable urban practices

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Environmental

Greater diversity of plant and animal life in urban areas

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Environmental

Enhanced green spaces contribute to better air quality and public health

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Environmental

Increased urban resilience to climate change impacts through better soil and water management

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Environmental

Hands-on learning experiences for residents and students about soil health and sustainability

(Peri-)Urban land use type
Social

Project and ideas contest for companies

Common to all LLs
Engagement Activities

(Digital) surveys

Common to all LLs
Engagement Activities

Co-creation workshops, interviews and discussion groups

Common to all LLs
Engagement Activities