The fifth EU framework programme and its consequences for the construction industry

The EU's 5th Framework Programme provides significant opportunities for the construction industry to engage in innovation and change in many areas: preserving the ecosystem, promoting competitive and sustainable growth, economic and energy efficiency, integrated approaches for sustainable development of cities, rational management of resources; protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, assessing strategies for sustainable urban transport. EU R&D activities (in concert with other actors) are a potent contributor to facilitate fundamental transformation not only of the construction industry's processes, products and environmental and social impacts but of the construction industry itself.