Coalition launches to drive sustainable construction in Europe

The “Buy Better to Build Better” (BBBB) coalition launched today (21 May 2025) at an event in the European Parliament.  

It brings together 35 stakeholders from across the construction value chain, civil society and public authorities. 

Tudor Cherhat, programme manager at Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS), a co-convenor of BBBB, said: “The EU desperately needs public procurement measures that boost competitiveness and circular and low-carbon solutions, levelling the playing field for European businesses, and rewarding innovation – especially in the construction sector.  

“Businesses need certainty, and investors and procurers shouldn’t have to take a risk when they choose sustainable products. Our coalition proves there is appetite for this across the board.” 

The coalition called for Europe to use its purchasing power to accelerate the industrial transition while advancing its own competitiveness. 

The BBBB launched a manifesto for accelerating this change, including:  

• Simpler procurement with harmonised, sector-specific GPP criteria to create demand for low-carbon and circular construction solutions. 

• A stronger internal market through coherent and horizontal procurement rules beyond lowest price. 

• Simpler and standardised EU-wide tracking of GPP. 

• Continued support for public authorities in implementing GPP effectively. 

Alexandre Marin, European affairs director at RIVA Group, an Italian steel operator and member of BBBB, said: “The construction and steel industries are at a crossroads.  

“This coalition represents a key opportunity to accelerate meaningful change by advancing construction and public procurement practices that prioritise truly low-carbon and circular materials, based on clear and objective criteria.” 

Dominique Sandy, head of sustainable and innovation procurement at BBBB member ICLEI Europe, added: “Public procurement has huge impacts and opportunities for public procurers of all sizes.  

“This opportunity is especially present in the construction sector, which accounts for substantial emissions for our members.  

“We are proud to be part of this coalition, to sign the manifesto, and continue to work to make the strategic use of public procurement the norm across Europe and beyond.”