The adoption of the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) at the end of 2024 marks a significant advance in the regulation of the construction sector in the European Union. This regulation introduces key changes to improve the safety, technical performance and environmental sustainability of products used in construction.
The Regulation provides for innovative measures that will particularly impact on the manufacture and use of products such as concrete, steel and insulation materials. These categories have been prioritised due to their high embedded carbon content and their importance in the energy efficiency of buildings. The main changes include:
- Digital product passport: Mandatory digital passport for priority products, which will store standardised information accessible by architects, owners and regulatory authorities.
- Expanded Environmental Report: Manufacturers shall report on CO2emissions, energy consumption, recyclability, resource efficiency and toxicity.
- Enhanced Declaration of Performance (DoP): Integration of environmental data together with the technical characteristics of the product.
- Reinforced CE marking: Inclusion of environmental requirements to increase transparency and reliability of products.
The new CPR will enter into force shortly after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU in early May. 2025. However, implementation will be gradual: priority categories will have to comply with the new requirements by 2028, however, harmonised standards (hENs) will be reviewed through the Acquis process, determining implementation deadlines for each product family.
In response to the changes made by the CPR, the Technical Building Code (CTE) will be updated in 2025. The main modifications include:
- Incorporation of Global Warming Potential (GWP): New indicator that quantifies greenhouse gas emissions over the life cycle of a building.
- Revision of the Basic Fire Safety Document (SI): Adjustments to the external propagation requirements of buildings.
- Updating of the Basic Document on Safety in Use and Accessibility (SUA): Incorporation of regulations for toilets adapted for people with ostomies.
From the Construction Technology Centre We will continue to follow developments in this regulation and its impact on the sector, supporting companies in adapting to new requirements.
