You are in: Information > Summary

Summary

Building Europe's Future: Driving Competitiveness, Job Creation, and Energy Security

The European Union's construction sector contributes 9% to the EU's GDP and provides 18 million jobs but generates over 35% of total waste and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgent need for transformation.

This conference will unite policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, urban planners, and NGOs to explore how the construction sector can drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and advance European competitiveness in line with the EU’s green transition goals.

Key discussions will focus on the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) as a framework for ensuring safety, sustainability, and performance in construction materials, alongside initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal, Circular Economy Act, and the HouseEurope! Power to Renovation. Topics will include scaling up building renovations to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB), fostering climate-resilient structures, and boosting secondary material markets through innovative recycling and lifecycle design approaches.

The European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass will also play a crucial role in these discussions, emphasizing the importance of decarbonisation and resource efficiency in construction. The Compass advocates for the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative practices to reduce the environmental impact of the sector while enhancing its global competitiveness. By promoting circular material use and improving efficiency, it aligns with the EU’s broader sustainability and economic growth objectives, ensuring that the construction industry remains resilient and forward-looking.

Digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will feature prominently, showcasing their role in improving efficiency and sustainability in construction processes. The agenda also incorporates the New European Bauhaus, combining cultural heritage, modern design, and environmental harmony in urban development.

The CPR’s role in harmonising standards, fostering material innovation, and strengthening supply chains will be emphasised, alongside the critical need for upskilling, inclusion, and digitalisation to build a competitive and climate-resilient workforce.

This event aims to deliver actionable strategies and solutions, positioning the construction sector as a leader in economic growth, sustainability, and resilience for the EU's long-term objectives.