New EU Construction Regulations Promise Green and Digital Shift in Construction Sector

In a significant development for the construction industry, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on the construction products regulation (CPR) aimed at accelerating the green and digital transitions within the construction sector. This agreement is expected to have implications for the water jetting industry, particularly in its pursuit of a circular economy in construction.

The CPR lays down harmonized EU rules for construction products, aiming to facilitate their free movement in the market, reduce administrative burdens through digital solutions, and align products with circular economy principles and new construction technologies.

Key Implications for the Water Jetting Sector:

1. Focus on Circular Economy Principles: The agreement emphasizes circular economy principles, promoting construction products that require fewer resources, generate less pollution, and produce less waste. This aligns with the goals of the European Water Jetting Institute (EWJI) to encourage environmentally sustainable practices within the industry.
2. Green Public Procurement: The provision empowering the Commission to establish mandatory minimum environmental sustainability requirements for public procurement of construction products is likely to impact the water jetting sector. EWJI may find new opportunities and challenges as the industry shifts towards environmentally sustainable practices.
3. Digital Passport for Construction Products: The introduction of a digital passport system for construction products is an innovative step. This system, similar to that proposed in the ecodesign regulation, could enhance transparency and traceability in the water jetting sector, aligning with EWJI’s objective to exchange information on techniques and working methods among industry professionals.
4. Transition Period: The proposed 15-year transition period from the old legal framework to the new one provides a reasonable timeframe for the water jetting industry to adapt. This transition aims to ensure an orderly shift and minimize the risk of de-harmonization of product groups or families.

Jordi Hereu i Boher, Spanish Minister for Industry and Tourism, highlighted the potential of construction products of the future to contribute to climate change mitigation by promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction.

The European Water Jetting Institute, as a non-profit organization, remains committed to its objectives of promoting safety, professional integrity, and quality of service within the water jetting industry. The institute will actively monitor and engage with the evolving regulatory landscape to ensure the interests of the water jetting industry are considered.

The provisional agreement is now pending formal adoption by both the European Parliament and the Council, marking a crucial step towards reshaping the construction industry in line with sustainable and circular principles.