The European Commission has approved a regulatory framework that standardises the calculation and disclosure of the carbon footprint of construction materials throughout their entire life cycle. The regulation, part of an amendment to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), will require that, from 2028, all new buildings over 1,000 m² include their global warming potential (GWP) in energy performance certificates. From 2030, this obligation will extend to all new buildings, meaning that embodied carbon will become a mandatory criterion in public and private procurement decisions.

The aim is to promote the use of low-carbon materials, such as clean steel, sustainable cement or timber construction, and to encourage circular strategies such as recycling, reuse and carbon storage. The new regulation establishes a common methodology across the EU, allowing some flexibility for Member States to adapt default values to local conditions without adding heavy administrative burdens. Manufacturers will have to provide data on their products through existing channels, such as the Construction Products Regulation and energy labelling requirements.

After a two-month review period by the Council and the European Parliament, the regulation will be ready to enter into force. This step reinforces the understanding that sustainability and climate responsibility are now essential components of building, standing alongside cost and structural safety.