New EU regulation approved to promote circular economy in construction products
The European Union strengthens its commitment to sustainability in the construction sector, in line with the objectives championed by the ‘Green Growth’ project.
The European Union has taken a significant step towards sustainability in the construction sector with the approval of the new Construction Products Regulation. This regulation updates the legislation in place since 2011, adapting construction products to the principles of the circular economy. The aim is for these products to be more durable, easier to repair, and recyclable at the end of their life cycle.
One of the regulation’s most notable innovations is the introduction of digital product passports for construction materials. These passports will provide detailed information about the characteristics, performance, and compliance of products, making it easier for consumers to choose environmentally friendly options and promoting transparency in the market.
The regulation also establishes harmonised rules for the marketing of construction products within the EU single market, reduces administrative burdens, and encourages technological development in the sector. Furthermore, it enhances market surveillance and consumer protection, while respecting national competencies in the regulation of building works.
In order to facilitate the adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to this new regulation, Small Business Standards (SBS) and the European Builders Confederation (EBC) have published a Guide for SMEs on the new Construction Products Regulation. The guide provides practical explanations of the main changes introduced by the new regulation, as well as guidance to help SMEs understand and comply with their obligations.
The European project ‘Green Growth’, coordinated by Fundación Laboral de la Construcción and co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, has been working along the same lines. It has developed innovative training tools to embed the circular economy as a transversal competence in vocational education and training for the construction sector. Project outcomes include a handbook on circular economy applied to the sector, an online course for teachers, a mobile app for workers and SMEs, and a roadmap for implementing circular economy principles in VET centres.
