What’s Next in EU Nature Regulation?

PRF spoke to a nature conservation policy representative from the European Commission to understand how the EU nature regulation pipeline will influence the construction sector. Last week’s article set the scene for the EU’s new environmental regulatory framework. It provides an introduction to the EC’s Competitiveness Compass and the Omnibus Proposal. 

This week’s article focuses on two new laws governing sustainable construction materials - the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation 2025 and the revised Construction Products Regulation 2024. Assuming these laws are unchanged by the Compass’ simplification measures, stakeholders involved with construction materials in the EU market need to adjust their practices as follows:​

Manufacturers: Ensure products meet sustainability standards like durability, repairability, and energy efficiency. ​

Importers and Distributors: Confirm the products they handle are compliant.

Regulatory Authorities: Monitor and enforce compliance. ​

Construction Professionals and Consumers: Benefit from reliable information on product’s sustainability profile for purchase decisions.

Revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 2024

Since 2011, the CPR has outlined rules for marketing construction products in the EU. It offers stakeholders reliable data for comparing products. 

As of 7 January 2025, the new CPR imposes climate neutrality and circular economy obligations on the construction sector. 

5 key ways the CPR will change the construction industry:

1. Mandatory Environmental Declarations:

• From January 8, 2026: manufacturers must declare their products’ Global Warming Potential (GWP), focusing on carbon emissions. 

• By January 9, 2030, reporting will include additional environmental aspects like ozone depletion and acidification potential.

2. Digital Product Passports (DPP):

• As discussed in last week’s article, the DPP rules are still in development. More information on the DPP below. 

3. Lifecycle Assessment:

• Starting in 2026 and expanding over time to more product aspects (see point 1), manufacturers must disclose mandatory environmental declarations for the entire product lifecycle i.e. from production through to disposal. 

4. Harmonized Standards:

• From January 8, 2026, EU countries will be bound by common technical specifications, ensuring consistency in environmental performance assessments. 

5. CE Marking Integration:

• From January 8, 2026, CE marking will reflect both technical (safety) and environmental (sustainability) performance.

These updates aim to promote transparency, reduce environmental impact, and support the EU's climate objectives within the construction sector.

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) 2025

Complementing the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), the ESPR extends sustainability requirements to a broader range of products than construction materials alone. It aims to improve product circularity, energy performance, recyclability, and durability.  

The ESPR also introduces measures to address the destruction of unsold consumer products, promoting their reuse or recycling instead. 

Together, these regulations compel construction product manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance product transparency. 

The ESPR is part of a package of measures that are central to achieving the aims of the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan. It will contribute to helping the EU reach its environmental and climate goals, double its circularity rate of material use and achieve its energy efficiency targets by 2030.  

The Commission is currently (H1, 2025) in the process of deciding which products will be prioritised over the coming years. The next step involves the development of product rules in consultation with stakeholders within a dedicated Ecodesign Forum. 

Digital Product Passport (DPP)

The DPP is instrumental to the effective operation of both the CPR and ESPR. It will act as a digital record, accessible via QR codes or similar technologies. It will contain comprehensive information about a product's lifecycle. This means that architects, builders, and even consumers can easily access data on a product's performance, environmental footprint, and compliance with regulations. 

Initially, DPP’s will only apply to priority (the most environmentally impactful) materials including concrete, steel, and insulation products. Manufacturers of these products will need to upload detailed environmental data to product DPPs, covering aspects such as CO₂ emissions and energy use during production. ​

As these rules continue to develop, PRF will update the construction sector via our LinkedIn page. Follow along to receive the latest insights.