The Implementation Working Group on Energy Efficiency in Buildings (IWG5) established a task force dedicated to sustainable construction materials. The task force on Advanced Materials was composed of experts from the field of new materials as well as sustainability across Europe coming from energy and research ministries, relevant agencies, academia and industry. In particular, it wants to provide indications for the update of the Implementation Plan of the Strategic Energy Technology (SET PLAN), which needs to keep up with market requirements and citizens’ needs and acceptance, thus positioning itself as a pillar in the context of actions targeting the buildings energy efficiency, seen in a wider human-centred ecosystem. 

In their white paper, the task force members summarise the latest technical findings in the field of innovative materials and technical solutions applicable for the construction of new buildings and/or refurbishment of existing buildings while also considering sustainability aspects. The white paper also recommends the following:

• Broader spectrum solutions centred on advanced materials paving the way for a significant change in the entire construction industry, triggering a positive ripple effect in multiple domains.

• Measurement and monitoring techniques to regularly gather multi-domain information exploitable in development, transformation, and integration phases of innovative sustainable materials, making their life cycle optimized during use and beyond.

• Citizens’ well-being and quality of life.

To achieve the EU’s targets for decarbonization, building renovation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, actions to speed up both research on sustainable construction materials and the uptake of the developed solutions are required, such as funding schemes, dissemination and exploitation activities to enhance citizens’ awareness and engagement, and management of the lessons learnt, and skills needed. 

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