25042025

Decarbonisation of Infrastructure Construction

Bordeaux, 25 April 2025: The EIC Workshop on 25 April 2025 during the Spring Conference in Bordeaux attracted more than 100 delegates for a vivid discussion around Decarbonisation of Infrastructure Construction (From Concept to Reality).

The event was opened by a key-note video message from the French High Commissioner for Planning and former Minister of Transport and European Affairs, Clément Beaune, who thanked EIC delegates for their presence in Bordeaux as a sign of commitment to decarbonisation. He underlined the European dimension in this big challenge and the important role that the EU Institutions assume as drivers of change and standard-setters. Following EU legislation, the focus is now on implementation, and public funding and public procurement must reward low-carbon innovation.

Policy Aspects of Decarbonisation

In a first session, moderated by Alain Baruc from Eiffage, the policy aspects of decarbonisation of infrastructure construction were centre stage. Representatives from the European Commission (DG MOVE) and from the European Investment Bank set out the pathway of their institutions to ensure compliance with the EU Climate Goals also in the European construction industry, including the use of Strategic Procurement. One of the most sophisticated French public contracting authorities, Société des Grand Projects, highlighted the role of innovation from design to commissioning. Representatives from FIDIC familiarised the audience with the upcoming FIDIC Carbon Management Guidance.

Industry Aspects of Decarbonisation

The second session, moderated by Gilles Godard from Vinci Construction, discussed the solutions that the French construction industry can offer to minimise the carbon footprint of construction projects. Representatives from the leading French contractors shared their experience and vision on embedding environmental aspects into infrastructure projects with an emphasis on reducing the carbon impact through the use of low-carbon cement technology and through low-temperature asphalt mixes. Representatives from the consulting industry explained the decarbonisation potential for aviation and airport infrastructure, and the significance of recycling construction waste.

Conclusions

EIC President Chauvin appreciated in his concluding the remarks the progress made by both the industry as well as by public and private clients over the past decade. To boost the trend towards decarbonisation he called on policymakers and contracting authorities to follow the concept of Strategic Procurement, including technical alternatives and/or early contractor involvement, to make competition more efficient. Generally, a collaborative project delivery is more likely to improve the carbon footprint throughout the project lifecycle than separate conventional contracts.