Water as a Service : exploring the circular PaaS model with Oras Oy

Abstract

With this thesis the company Oras Oy, a manufacturer of sanitary fittings, wants to investigate the benefits and opportunities involved in offering the circular business model Product-as-a-Service (PaaS), where Oras offers their products and maintenance as a service. The research centres around an ongoing lifecycle project resulting in a multipurpose facility that includes a school, daycare, and public services, where Oras’s products will be installed and maintained under the name Water as a Service (WaaS). Using a qualitative methodology, the study integrates data from field observations, stakeholder interviews, and data collection via Oras’s Digital Services Platform. The theoretical framework draws from literature on circular economy, sustainable product design and construction, and PaaS business models. Findings indicate that WaaS supports long-term sustainability by extending product life, optimising maintenance through real-time data, and promoting responsible water use. It also provides added value through improved hygiene, compliance with building regulations, and enhanced user engagement. The digital platform plays a key role by offering data-driven insights for maintenance planning and educational opportunities. The results suggest that WaaS is a feasible strategy for Oras in the lifecycle project as well as other construction projects aiming for more sustainable construction. Furthermore, the model promotes Oras as a market forerunner combining circularity with digital services and data-driven knowledge.