Sustainability in construction: ready for the new laws and regulations?

The construction industry has been in the spotlight for years when it comes to environmental impact. And not without reason: resource use, CO₂ emissions and nitrogen issues make sustainability an urgent but complex topic. At the same time, the legislative landscape is changing rapidly. Examples such as the transition from CSRD to VSME, the tightening of MPG requirements and the entrance of the new CO₂ performance ladder means that construction companies need to re-examine their strategy, vision and reporting. In this blog, we list some of these developments.

From CSRD to VSME

The Omnibus bill has changed a lot for companies that fall within the bounds of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). When officially accepted, this law results in a relaxation regarding sustainability reporting for smaller companies. Only companies with 1,000 employees and a net turnover of more than €50 million or a balance sheet total of more than €25 million will fall within the CSRD obligation.

To still make sustainability accessible, there are adapted guidelines for organizations that want to (continue to) report on a voluntary basis or chain driven. The VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) is a simplified reporting framework that ties in with the CSRD and ESRS. Here, companies can choose a basic module or an expanded module to match their sustainability ambitions. The VSME facilitates transparent communication without the complexity of full CSRD reporting.

VSME relevance to construction companies:

• Meeting the questions and requirements of contractors, municipalities and other concerned stakeholders
• Sustainable chain transparency as award criterion for tenders
• Being prepared for future legislation

Adjusted MPG score

The Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG) is a legal standard that measures the environmental impact of a building based on material use throughout its life cycle. The lower the MPG value, the more sustainable the design.

Effective July 1, 2025:

• New calculation method: The MPG score is now based on the European EN 15804+A2 method. This includes 19 environmental impact categories instead of 11, resulting in an MPG score that can be roughly 10-20% higher.
• Updated limits: The standard for homes increases from an 0.8 (A1) to 1.0 (A2); for offices from 1.0 to 1.55, and for other functions to 1.85. A more lenient requirement will apply to small homes and apartments.
• Delay: The calculation method will be made mandatory from July 1, however, the updated limits may still be delayed until 2026.

Implications for construction companies:

• The new calculation method may increase the MPG value, which could impact permits and design decisions
• Strategic material choices are crucial as materials with high carbon and land-use costs become more heavily weighted.
• Intensive chain cooperation is needed to get material flows and LCA data in order to keep the MPG score under control.
• Apply segmentation to take advantage of more lenient requirements for small homes and apartments, for example.

It’s good to reflect on your organization’s ambitions and the next steps to take to achieve them. What can you do right now?

• Map your value chain – From suppliers to waste processors: where are the risks and opportunities?
• Prepare for reporting – Even for small businesses, insight and transparency is important.
• Assess your MPG score – Be aware of the extent to which your organization can already measure the MPG score.

Want to know more about how your organization can prepare for these changes? Cooperate Green provides direction in setting up a strategy, reporting and internal processes to future-proof it. Contact one of our colleagues: