Innovation

Homez's innovation is a holistic, sustainability-driven business model that focuses on delivering eco-friendly housing solutions.

The innovation encompasses the development and promotion of sustainable, energy-efficient homes, utilizing renewable materials and technologies to minimize environmental impact.

It emerged from a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, fueled by the recognition of the urgent need to address the housing sector's environmental footprint.

The team behind Homez comprises environmentally conscious engineers, architects, and business strategists, united by a shared vision of sustainable living.

This initiative is deeply connected to a mission of creating a positive societal impact, underpinned by the belief that business success and environmental stewardship can coexist.

Homez’s goal is to implement changes that make the units Homez utilizes more sustainable and eco-friendly. Specifically, these innovations include ensuring LED lighting throughout Homez’s units, supplying trash cans and recycling bins, implementing water filters, equipping units with eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and ensuring the furniture is made of sustainable materials.

The innovation emerged by looking at what competitors needed to prioritize. For example, competitors Airbnb and Sonder needed more extensive efforts to implement sustainable practices. Homez wanted to enhance the customers’ willingness to participate in sustainability and create an experience aligning with Homez’s mission and values

"Our goal was not just to build homes, but to inspire a movement towards sustainability," shares the CEO of Homez. "Every decision we make is a step towards a greener future."

Inspiration

The inspiration for Homez's innovation sprouted from a realization of the significant environmental impact of traditional housing and a passion for change. The idea was born out of extensive research into sustainable building materials and methods, along with a desire to make a tangible difference in the world. The innovation was motivated by the urgent need for sustainable development and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Homez set out to revolutionize the housing market.

The US team had only seven members as the startup expanded in the United States market. Mrs. Corsi was one of these seven members. She prioritizes sustainability in her personal life. She reveals, “I moved from Italy to Portland, considered one of the greenest cities in the US, where everyone pays attention to the environment and the community. I developed more interest in the topic.

Mrs. Corsi says it is “Important to teach our kids and next generations how to be more sustainable because we are destroying our planet, and there will not be many resources left.”

"We were driven by the vision of a world where every home contributes to the health of the planet," reflects the founder. "Seeing the change we can make, that's what keeps us going."

Overall impact

Homez benefitted from the innovation because it helped reduce its carbon footprint. The company can also claim that it is a moral and ethical company since it housed displaced war victims. As a result of Homez deciding to house victims of the war in Israel/Palestine, they have contributed to improving the welfare of the community.

Homez's innovation has had a profound impact on the business, society, and the environment, evidencing a scalable and radically innovative solution with net-positive outcomes. The company has seen significant growth, with an increasing demand for sustainable homes, demonstrating economic viability alongside environmental responsibility. By providing eco-friendly housing options, Homez has contributed to raising awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability among consumers. The use of renewable materials and energy-efficient designs has significantly reduced carbon footprints, contributing to global efforts against climate change.

The short-term effects are that Homez is acclimating its guests to a sustainable way of life while in temporary housing arrangements. In the long run, Homez aims for these implementations to continue growing with the company. In other words, with any new units that are registered to Homez, they will continue to implement these practices. Homez’s long-term goal is to have its guests implement the practices exemplified in Homez’s units into their daily lives.

Business benefit

For Homez, the innovation has not only spurred financial growth but also established the company as a leader in the sustainable housing market. This positioning has attracted partnerships, investments, and a loyal customer base, proving the economic viability of integrating sustainability into business models.

Building a sustainable brand image is not just good for the planet but also for business; here’s why: According to a survey by the Natural Marketing Institute, up to 58% of U.S. consumers prefer purchasing goods and services from companies practicing sustainable habits. Moreover, consumers choose companies that support their communities. Today, more and more consumers are making purchasing decisions based on personal, environmental, and social values.

This continued investment into sustainability ultimately leads to increased revenue.

Social and environmental benefit

Homez's innovation offers significant benefits beyond its immediate business interests. Societally, it promotes a shift towards more sustainable living practices, influencing broader consumer behavior and contributing to the global sustainability agenda.

Environmentally, the reduction in carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste production sets a precedent for responsible housing development, highlighting the feasibility of a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the natural world. Through its actions, Homez exemplifies how businesses can be pivotal in driving the full-spectrum flourishing of our planet and its inhabitants.

Interview

Eleonora Corsi, Customer Experience and Operations Lead

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