A study conducted by the Association of Construction Materials Producers (PMMC) in collaboration with the Romanian Association of Urban Developers (ARDU) indicates a usage rate of only 6.8% for eco-friendly materials in large-scale residential and commercial projects in Romania during the first half of 2025. Among the materials monitored are unfired brick, low-carbon concrete, wood fiber insulation, and biodegradable composite cladding. In terms of costs, the prices of these products are on average 25–30% higher than traditional ones, which is why developers tend to avoid including them in overall budgets.

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Environmental Fund Administration (AFM) and MDRAP, is preparing for 2026 a support scheme for companies that use at least 20% sustainable materials in public construction projects. At the same time, discussions are underway regarding the introduction of minimum requirements for material efficiency and emissions reduction into the building code for new constructions starting in 2027.

Industry representatives are calling for clear regulations on the definition of eco-friendly materials, direct fiscal incentives, and the creation of a co-financing fund for testing alternative solutions during the design and execution phases.

(Photo: Freepik)