{"id":3534,"date":"2026-09-23T13:07:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T11:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cooperategreen.com\/sustainability-for-businesses\/construction\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T10:46:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T08:46:22","slug":"construction","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cooperategreen.com\/en\/sustainability-for-businesses\/construction\/","title":{"rendered":"Construction"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

The foundation of your project isn't just concrete <\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWith the right ESG approach, you can mitigate risks and strengthen your position with clients, financiers, and in competitive bidding processes. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Bouw\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Sustainability is becoming a strict prerequisite <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

You\u2019re working on a housing project, infrastructure project, or area development project and keep running into the same questions: Will we get the permit approved? How do we justify our decisions to the municipality or client? And how do we collect all the ESG data that\u2019s required when it\u2019s held by suppliers and subcontractors? <\/p>

The construction sector is in the midst of a transition. Nitrogen restrictions, zero-emission construction sites, circular economy requirements from clients, and sustainability reporting all converge into a single reality: projects must not only make technical and financial sense, but also demonstrably meet sustainability requirements. At the same time, pressure is mounting from municipalities, housing authorities, investors, and major clients to report transparently and align with ESG principles. <\/p>

Many construction companies feel they need to get started on this. The challenge rarely lies in ambition, but in actually getting started and organizing the processes. A major sticking point is that a large part of the responsibility lies with the general contractor, while the necessary data and influence are spread across subcontractors, suppliers, and clients. <\/p>

Companies that organize this effectively not only face less risk but are also in a stronger position when it comes to bidding on contracts and managing customer relationships.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Something we see a lot in the industry<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Permits and government pressure make projects uncertain and more expensive <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn housing construction, infrastructure, and area development, projects often get bogged down by nitrogen calculations, environmental assessments, and varying interpretations under the Environment Act. Additional justifications, objection procedures, and changing regulatory frameworks cause delays and higher costs, which often only become apparent once the project is already underway. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

A transportation company invests in more sustainable fuels or electric vehicles, but finds that customers are not willing to fully cover the higher costs. Due to the low profit margins in the transportation sector, this is often not financially attractive enough. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

A shortage of qualified personnel increases supply chain risks <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDue to a shortage of skilled workers, construction companies are increasingly relying on subcontractors and flexible labor pools, which also include migrant workers. In practice, there is often a lack of clarity regarding training, certification, and working conditions, even though clients and the law hold the general contractor accountable for these matters. Language barriers and high turnover on construction sites increase the risk of miscommunication and unsafe situations. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA logistics service provider wants to build a loading hub for electric trucks, but is told that upgrading the power grid won\u2019t be possible for several years. Sustainability plans are being delayed, investments are being postponed, and companies are missing opportunities to take the lead in the energy transition. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Data from the supply chain is fragmented and difficult to compare <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContractors, developers, and suppliers are increasingly receiving questions from municipalities, housing associations, investors, and major clients about CO\u2082 emissions, circularity, the origin of materials, and social risks. In practice, this information is scattered across suppliers, EPDs, product data sheets, and separate spreadsheets. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

How We Help <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Stronger supply chain collaboration and improved data flows <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

By actively engaging in dialogue with subcontractors and suppliers, you gain better control over ESG issues in the supply chain. You\u2019ll collect data in a structured manner, establish clear agreements on circularity and working conditions, and build long-term partnerships. This leads to more reliable information, fewer risks, and better performance for your clients. <\/p>

  • Structured data collection from the supply chain<\/li>
  • Clear agreements with subcontractors and suppliers<\/li>
  • Reduced risk of incidents and compliance issues<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t

    Competitive Advantage in a Rapidly Professionalizing Market <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Companies that can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability are more likely to gain the trust of clients, financiers, and supply chain partners. In the construction industry, ESG is shifting from a \u201cnice-to-have\u201d to a strict prerequisite for selection, collaboration, and investability. <\/p>

    • A Stronger Position in Bidding Processes<\/li>
    • Greater chance of being selected by major clients<\/li>
    • Better Access to Sustainable Financing<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t

      Less compliance stress and a lower risk of errors <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      A clear ESG approach makes reporting requirements and supply chain issues easier to manage, even for companies indirectly affected by the CSRD. This reduces the likelihood of missing data, inconsistencies, and last-minute corrections right before deadlines. <\/p>

      • More Efficient Reporting<\/li>
      • Fewer discussions with clients or auditors after the fact<\/li>
      • Structural basis for annual renewal<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t

        Better Management of Staff and Being an Attractive Employer <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        By gaining a better understanding of subcontractors, employment conditions, and safety training, you can reduce the risk of non-compliance and incidents. At the same time, you\u2019re investing in good working conditions and building a strong, loyal workforce that is less dependent on high-risk supply chains. <\/p>

        • Less dependence on high-risk external layers<\/li>
        • A stronger reputation as an employer<\/li>
        • Lower risk of safety incidents and shutdowns<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Bouw\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Relevant legislation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Environmental Act \u2014 Permits, the Environment, and Area Development <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          The Environment Act consolidates the rules governing the physical living environment and operates through the Environment Service Desk. For the construction sector, this serves as the central framework for permits, environmental regulations, and decisions regarding construction, renovation, and development. Another key aspect of the Environment Act is stakeholder participation. Not only local residents but also other stakeholders, such as environmental organizations, may file objections if they have concerns about the living environment or the environmental impact. By taking these issues into account and involving your stakeholders early on, you reduce the risk of delays and cost overruns in the middle of a project. In practical terms, this means involving your stakeholders in decision-making at an early stage. Those who fail to organize this properly run the risk of delays and cost overruns in the middle of a project. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          CSRD \u2014 Sustainability Reporting That Has an Impact Throughout the Supply Chain <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe CSRD requires large companies to report on sustainability in accordance with the ESRS standards. For the construction industry, this means that larger contractors, developers, and manufacturers must report on their own. But even if your construction company is not subject to CSRD requirements itself, the obligation can still affect you through the supply chain: major clients are asking their suppliers and subcontractors for ESG information. The VSME provides a harmonized framework for answering those questions in a structured manner. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          CBAM \u2014 Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          The construction sector relies on materials covered by the CBAM legislation: concrete, steel, iron, and aluminum. Importers must file their first reports for the year 2026. The CO\u2082 taxes are expected to be passed on to buyers of these materials. For construction companies, this means higher costs for emission-intensive materials. This is yet another reason to focus now on circular material use and alternative raw materials. <\/p>

          The combination of the Environment Act, CSRD supply chain pressure, and CBAM makes it clear: sustainability in construction is no longer a choice. Those who lay a solid ESG foundation now will avoid surprises and be in a stronger position with clients, municipalities, and financiers. <\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Bouw\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          What's Happening in the Industry<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Biodiversity and Nature-Inclusive Construction <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe impact of construction projects on the environment is receiving increasing attention, both from legislation and from clients. This is not only about limiting negative effects, but also about actively enhancing biodiversity through nature-inclusive measures. In practice, it is often unclear what impact a project will have and which measures are both effective and feasible. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA transportation company receives enough orders, but is unable to complete all the trips due to a shortage of drivers. As a result, orders must be outsourced or even turned down. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Cooperate Green provides insight into the impact on biodiversity and identifies concrete measures\u2014ranging from nitrogen-related issues to nature-inclusive solutions\u2014so that you can take timely action and provide a solid basis for your proposals to clients and permit applications.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Circularity and Demonstrable Performance <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Clients are increasingly seeking insight into construction companies\u2019 circularity performance, not only at the project level but also at the organizational level. Material reuse, waste streams, and policies related to circular practices are becoming part of bidding criteria. For many companies, it is difficult to demonstrate this in a clear and substantiated manner. <\/p>

          In the construction industry, demonstrability goes beyond circularity alone. The Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG) assesses a building\u2019s broader environmental impact: from climate change and resource depletion to acidification, eutrophication, particulate matter formation, toxicity, and ozone layer depletion. These impact categories are combined through a life-cycle analysis into a single environmental cost indicator, from which the MPG score is derived. National minimum scores apply to construction projects, but municipalities regularly impose stricter standards. Furthermore, collaboration agreements with contractors and general contractors increasingly include an obligation to comply with the MPG requirements. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA transportation company is investigating whether electric trucks are economically viable for regional distribution and what charging solutions are required for this. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          Cooperate Green helps make circularity and environmental performance transparent and measurable at the organizational and project levels. We assist you in meeting sustainability and MPG-related requirements set by clients and municipalities, so you can clearly demonstrate where you stand and how you\u2019re improving. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Labor, Safety, and Supply Chain Responsibility <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLabor shortages are increasing reliance on subcontractors and migrant workers. This heightens risks related to working conditions, safety, and compliance, while responsibility remains with the general contractor. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA logistics service provider has been asked by a major client to provide a breakdown of CO\u2082 emissions for each transport operation. Without reliable data, it will be difficult to meet the client\u2019s request. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCooperate Green helps organizations gain a better understanding of social risks in the supply chain and provides support in developing policies, monitoring, and improvement initiatives. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Transparency and ESG Data in the Supply Chain <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClients and investors are increasingly asking for specific ESG data, but this information is scattered and difficult to compare. This makes reporting and management complex and time-consuming. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA logistics service provider has been asked by a major client to provide a breakdown of CO\u2082 emissions for each transport operation. Without reliable data, it will be difficult to meet the client\u2019s request. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCooperate Green organizes and makes ESG data accessible, so you can report more efficiently and better steer your organization toward sustainability\u2014without having to do it manually every year. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          How We Work Together <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOur approach to construction follows a logical progression\u2014from insight to strategy, from strategy to implementation, and from implementation to reporting. Each step also stands on its own: you choose the entry point that best suits your organization. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStep 1\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t

          Understanding the Current Situation<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          We assess where you stand on ESG and identify the applicable requirements. In addition to risks, we also identify what clients and municipalities are prioritizing\u2014from bidding requirements to clients\u2019 CO\u2082 targets. This gives you insight into both the risks and the commercial opportunities that allow you to stand out in a positive way. <\/p>