Sustainable Materials – The Core of Europe’s Green Construction Transition

Under the European Green Deal, the use of sustainable building materials has become a strategic objective for the construction sector. According to the European Environment Agency (2024), the construction industry is responsible for over 35% of total waste generated in the EU and 40% of total energy consumption.

Eco-friendly building materials—such as low-carbon concrete, recycled clay bricks, FSC-certified wood, and basalt wool insulation—are increasingly present on European construction sites. In Romania, the National Institute for Construction Research collaborates with universities and private companies to develop sustainable solutions adapted to local climatic conditions.

Funding programs under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the National Green Infrastructure Investment Program support the large-scale implementation of these technologies. In addition, the new EU regulations on building energy performance (EPBD) will introduce stricter sustainability standards starting in 2026.

(Photo: Freepik)