On 28 September 2021, the first HLCF gathered 220 EU representatives and stakeholders, offering a key platform to collaborate on construction-related topics and define the path towards a green, digital, and resilient transition in the sector. 

The morning session provided a general overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the construction ecosystem as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Key issues included the climate crisis, renovation ambitions, digitalisation, investment in skills, and material shortages. 

An overall challenge is to identify the economic and business case for a more green, digital, and resilient construction sector and move towards a carbon-neutral future. 

The afternoon featured three thematic sessions: 

Green session 

Going beyond energy efficiency, setting life-cycle assessment (LCA)-based targets, and enabling circularity also linked with the availability of secondary materials and products.  

Digital session 

The digital transition benefits and connects all steps in the building life cycle. To progress, it requires regulation. The EU Data Act can help level the playing field.  

Resilience panel 

Stakeholders and colleagues called for a skilled construction workforce that can implement the transition. Shortage of materials is a principal concern for the industrial stakeholders that point out risks implementing EU strategies (e.g. renovation) in these conditions.

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