Report – Buy better to build better: Driving public purchase towards green construction products
Public procurement is one of the EU’s most important economic tools, amounting to a staggering 15% of the bloc’s GDP . This puts governments and cities in a privileged position to create lead markets for green solutions, which often struggle to be deployed at scale. Yet, Green Public Procurement (GPP) remains under-exploited. More than half of public contracts across the EU are awarded without the environment in mind .
One sector in particular deserves more attention when considering the role of GPP: construction. The construction sector produces some of the most energy-intensive materials, such as cement and steel. Meanwhile, public projects account for 31% of the sector’s activities. Our new report clearly shows that introducing ambitious requirements for the highest polluting materials can save up to 19 million tonnes of emissions annually at minimal cost. That means lowering emissions from construction by a staggering 43% with upfront project cost increases at no more than 3-4%.
This report, based on an external study commissioned by ECOS, fills a gap in understanding the current state of GPP across the EU – and its important role in getting the sector’s emissions in check. Starting with an overview of the GPP landscape and spotlighting success stories, such as examples from Zurich, our findings are used to project ambitious scenarios on what is concretely needed to fully leverage GPP in the construction sector. It also identifies opportunities for actors from the whole construction value chain. Finally, in Section 4, we set out policy recommendations on how to move forward with a common GPP plan for Europe in the construction sector.
Without conscious approach by the EU to harmonise and level-up green procurement choices, the most polluting materials will remain the go-to option for public buildings and infrastructural projects, even while low-carbon alternatives are already available and scalable. The new European Commission means renewed opportunities to direct public investments towards the EU’s strategic vision – a green and competitive European Single Market.
Making it happen – key recommendations
Read more
- Independent study commissioned by ECOS: ‘Green public procurement in construction: Driving public purchase towards truly green construction products and materials,’ Ramboll Group, November 2024
- Executive summary of ECOS report, ‘Buy better to build better: Driving public purchase towards truly green construction products’, November 2024
- ECOS blog on green public procurement: ‘Buy better to build better: Green public procurement can unlock sustainable construction,’ February 2024
