Construction sector competitiveness

A sustainable and competitive European construction industry brings many benefits to society and the EU economy. The sector is affected by several other policies, such as environmental protection, energy efficiency, work safety, taxation, and public procurement. The objective of the European Commission is to promote a favourable framework to boost competitiveness and support sustainable growth in the sector.

Benefits of a more competitive construction industry

produces buildings and infrastructure adapted to changing social and economic needs
meets global challenges such as energy security and climate change
provides an attractive sector to work in, complete with excellent opportunities for career development, good pay, and improved health and safety.

Read more on industrial competitiveness.

Strategy for sustainable competitiveness

In 2012, the Commission published a Communication Strategy for the sustainable competitiveness of the construction sector and its enterprises. The document is a part of the Europe 2020 initiative. It focuses on the promotion of favourable market conditions for sustainable growth in the construction sector. Five areas are addressed:

Financing and digitalisation: especially for energy efficient investments in the renovation of buildings and for research and innovation in a smart, sustainable, and inclusive environment
Skills and qualifications: workforce and management training for job creation through up-skilling and apprenticeships to meet demands for new competencies
Resource efficiency: focusing on low emission construction, recycling and valorisation of construction, and demolition waste
Regulatory framework: emphasis on reducing the administrative burden for enterprises, and particularly SMEs
International competition: encouraging the uptake of Eurocodes and promoting the spread of new financial tools and contractual arrangements in non-EU countries.

More information

The BIM task group video
The High Level Forum of interested groups, EU countries and the European Commission: highlights from the 6th meeting,18 January 2018
Level(s): building sustainability performance
The Joint Research Centre website on Eurocodes
The Small Business Act
Communication 'Resource efficiency opportunities in the building sector' and ongoing research work
The Waste Directive
The Build Up Skills website
Europe 2020 initiatives
The Green Employment Initiative Communication
Recognition of Skills and Qualifications
Sector Skills Alliances
The COSME programme supporting Entrepreneurs
More studies and support tools