In 2015, the 193 member states of the United Nations adopted 17 globally applicable Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals take into account economic, social and environmental dimensions and commit member states to working towards their implementation by 2030.

The Green Deal forms the EU's political framework for a climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy. Sustainable products are to become the norm and the transition to a circular economy is to be accelerated. It comprises a series of regulations, directives and laws that specify climate policy measures and make them legally binding. For an overview, see www.oekodesignforum.com

Objectives derived from the Green Deal:

• Resource conservation
• Reduced dependency
• Waste prevention
• Emissions prevention
• Climate protection
• Cost reduction

The CEAP specifies the objectives of the Green Deal. It calls for durable, repairable and recyclable products and better traceability of product information. The DPP is a key instrument for implementing these objectives.

The Ecodesign Regulation is part of the Green Deal and forms the legislative basis for the Digital Product Passport. It is designed as a framework regulation, i.e. it regulates general specifications and product requirements that will later be specified by the European Commission (e.g. through delegated acts, guidelines) for individual product groups.

Operational objectives of the ESPR:

• Redirecting financial flows towards sustainable investments
• Sustainability reporting for large companies
• Refinancing rules
• Sustainable (public) procurement

This stipulates that from 2028 onwards, new buildings with a usable floor area of > 1000m2 and new buildings undergoing comprehensive renovation from 2030 onwards must meet certain targets and provide specific evidence. This evidence can only be provided using structured data. GWP evidence requires EPD. The directive defines a Renovation Passport for renovations, which acts as a placeholder for the European Digital Building Logbook.

The European Digital Building Logbook has been in the pipeline since 2019, but has not yet been implemented. According to the European Commission, every building should have a Digital Building Logbook. It can be thought of as a combination of a digital building model and data. Expected in 2028.

The Ecodesign Regulation sets out specific ecodesign requirements for different product groups. The European Commission must involve stakeholders, experts and the public closely in this process.

In accordance with Article 75 of the new Construction Products Regulation, the Digital Product Passport will also apply to the construction industry from 2028 onwards.

It provides for a combined ‘declaration of performance and conformity’. The CPR defines eight characteristics (e.g. fire protection, sound insulation, hygiene, etc.), the contents of which are similar to but not identical with those of the DPP. There are harmonised standards for various product groups (e.g. windows) that cover all eight characteristics.

The new Construction Products Regulation refers to the Ecodesign Regulation with regard to the introduction of the Digital Product Passport.

The DPP defines the environmental information of the product and goes into greater depth in this area.