February 19, 2025 – Enhancing the Use of Ecolabels and Sustainable Public Procurement to Drive Sustainability in the Building and Construction Sector, UNEP through the EcoAdvance Project
As global environmental challenges intensify, the building and construction sector is increasingly turning to sustainable practices to reduce its environmental footprint.
Recognizing the crucial role of ecolabels and sustainable public procurement (SPP), industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders have come together to reinforce these practices for a greener future.
The construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, with significant environmental impacts arising from material production, energy consumption, and waste generation.
“Ecolabels provide transparent and reliable information about the environmental performance of products, enabling procurement officers and project managers to choose more sustainable options,” said Dr. Chatree Phuratt, Director of the Green and Environmental Label Division at the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI). “By integrating ecolabels with sustainable public procurement practices, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the construction sector while promoting the principles of a circular economy.”
Governments worldwide are increasingly adopting sustainable public procurement frameworks, emphasizing the use of certified sustainable materials in public construction projects. These initiatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also drive innovation in environmentally friendly construction technologies and materials. In addition, sustainable procurement policies encourage companies to improve their environmental performance, yielding positive impacts throughout the supply chain.
To accelerate the adoption of these approaches, the [UNEP, EcoAdvance Project] has launched new guidelines and programs to support procurement professionals and industry stakeholders. The online seminar featured speakers from various agencies who shared their experiences.
The project aims to raise awareness, share best practices, and facilitate knowledge exchange to promote the widespread implementation of ecolabels and sustainable public procurement within the construction sector. As the demand for sustainable infrastructure continues to grow, ecolabels and SPP remain powerful tools for aligning the construction industry with global sustainability commitments.
