Construction activities are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and noise in European cities. At the same time, the sector is essential for housing delivery, infrastructure development and urban growth. Reducing the environmental impacts of construction without constraining activity levels is therefore a central challenge for European cities. Transitioning to zero-emission construction sites is an important lever for achieving climate-neutrality, improving public health and supporting Europe’s industrial competitiveness.

Key findings:

1. Zero-emission construction is feasible and scalable today

Electrification of construction machinery and on-site processes is already technically viable for a large share of urban construction activities. While some niche applications still require further technological development, zero-emission alternatives are now market-ready for the majority of equipment categories.

2. Significant health and environmental benefits

Transitioning to zero-emission construction has the potential to deliver substantial environmental and health benefits by reducing local air pollution, noise exposure and greenhouse gas emissions from construction activity. While evidence at scale remains limited, this assessment indicates that electrification of construction machinery can materially improve urban air quality, reduce noise and eliminate almost all direct on-site carbon dioxide emissions.

3. Cost premiums are moderate and declining

Zero-emission construction typically involves higher upfront costs today, mainly related to machinery and temporary energy supply. Evidence from early adopter markets such as Norway and the Netherlands indicates that these cost premiums are temporary and decline rapidly as technologies mature, learning effects materialise and battery performance improves. Early markets have absorbed much of the initial transition cost, reducing barriers for later adopters. Over time, cost differences are expected to narrow significantly, particularly when accounting for avoided fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and broader societal benefits.

4. Limited impact on urban energy and power demand

Electrification of construction activity is one of several parallel drivers of increasing electricity demand as European energy systems transition away from fossil fuels, alongside electrification of transport, heating and parts of industry. While electrification of construction increases electricity use, its impact on total electricity demand at city and national level remains limited, although local peak loads can be significant. These challenges can be addressed through early coordination with grid operators, temporary grid reinforcements, smart charging strategies and on-site flexibility solutions such as mobile batteries. When appropriately planned and integrated, electrification of construction activity does not represent a systemic barrier to the wider energy transition.

5. Cities already have a strong legal mandate to act

Existing European and national legislation on air quality, environmental noise and occupational health provides a solid legal basis for requiring zero-emission construction solutions, including in private construction projects. Policies requiring zero-emission construction are therefore not only permissible, but in many cases aligned with existing regulatory obligations and enforcement responsibilities.

6. Early movers create positive European spillover effects

Cities that adopt ambitious zero-emission construction policies stimulate demand for clean construction machinery, accelerate industrial learning and support European manufacturing competitiveness. Local action can therefore generate broader spillover effects across European markets, contributing to technology development, cost reductions and strengthened clean technology value chains.

Read more in the full report