The construction industry is at the heart of the green transition, and the use of sustainable materials has become an essential condition for accessing European funds. According to the European Commission (Fit for 55 Package), the construction sector is responsible for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of CO₂ emissions. Therefore, the implementation of environmental standards has become mandatory in major public and private projects.

In Romania, local construction materials manufacturers are in full adaptation. According to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) in July 2025, 28% of AAC, brick, and cement plants have already introduced low-emission production processes. In addition, the use of recycled materials (scrap metal, recovered aggregates) has increased by 17% compared to the previous year.

A concrete example is the initiative of the Green Construction Cluster, which brings together more than 70 companies testing new solutions based on recyclable industrial waste and biocomposites. Under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), more than 50 projects that include sustainability requirements in their technical specifications were funded in 2024.

The integration of these materials is not only an environmental obligation but also a competitive advantage. Projects using green materials can obtain certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, which have a direct impact on the market value of buildings. Moreover, they are favored in the evaluation of applications for national and European funding.

For full alignment with EU trends, a clear regulatory framework, fiscal incentives, and partnerships between manufacturers, authorities, and research centers are needed. Green construction materials are no longer an option — they are a requirement of the market and of European regulations.

(Photo: Freepik)