EIC, FIEC and EuDA publish comparative study on CO₂ emission methodologies applied in public works tenders across Europe

Introduction

Building on the EIC Toolkit on Sustainable Infrastructure Procurement published in August 2023 and the  Manifesto on Achieving Carbon and Resource Neutrality in the European Construction Sector published in December 2023, EIC teamed up with its partners from FIEC and EuDA to commission a Comparative Study on CO₂ emission methodologies applied in public works tenders across Europe.

The objective of this study is to inform the EU Institutions, EU Member States and Multilateral Development Banks about existing approaches to quantify CO₂ emissions in public procurement and to assess how bidders’ capacity to reduce such emissions can be reflected as an award criterion. The study maps current methodologies, analyses their implications for contractors, and identifies best practices and practical recommendations for public authorities.

Growing convergence, but significant differences remain

The study compares ten CO₂e assessment frameworks used or proposed across Europe – eight covering infrastructure and two covering buildings. It draws on desk research, expert interviews and a stakeholder workshop involving FIEC, EIC and EuDA members. The analysis covers methodologies, calculation tools, data and procurement practices, as well as monitoring and verification. It finds a gradual move towards life-cycle assessment (LCA)-based approaches, but significant differences remain in system boundaries, data availability, tools and the level of detail required. Infrastructure frameworks generally focus on embodied carbon, particularly life-cycle stages A1–A5, while building frameworks tend to have broader life-cycle coverage.

Four priorities for policymakers

Based on the findings, FIEC, EIC and EuDA identify four priorities for EU and national policymakers:

1.      Recognise procurement-model and project differences
CO₂e assessment should reflect the procurement model, project circumstances and the parameters that contractors can influence.

2.      Strengthen the European methodological and data framework
Greater methodological consistency and improved interoperability of emission-factor databases are needed to make assessments more comparable.

3.      Introduce requirements through a proportionate, phased approach
Implementation should take account of the maturity of the relevant sector and contracting authority, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Frameworks could begin with prescriptive requirements (e.g., minimum low-carbon construction binder ratios) and transition to performance-based targets as data maturity improves.

4.      Support implementation through accessible tools, guidance and capacity-building
Recognised and usable tools, guidance and coordinated capacity-building across the value chain are essential for effective implementation.

EIC looks forward to discussing its proposal with the Multilateral and Bilateral Development Banks.