Materials for the future of construction: decarbonisation, circularity and resource efficiency

The construction sector plays a key role in the ecological transition, and its path toward sustainability also involves a profound renewal of the materials used. Today, a variety of innovative materials are available that help reduce embodied carbon, promote circularity, and lessen dependence on virgin raw materials. Examples include low-carbon materials such as alternative cements, steel produced with renewable energy, and wood; bio-based, biodegradable, and regenerable insulation materials like hemp, cork, and wool; advanced insulation products that offer high thermal performance with reduced thickness; and recycled materials. 

The workshop will explore the main technical innovations that are transforming construction materials, along with the legislative and economic measures that can encourage their adoption. A particular focus will be placed on the evolving European regulatory framework and environmental certification systems, with special attention to the tools that can support public and private decision-making toward a sustainable, resilient, and competitive construction sector.

The event will be held in Italian. 

Programme

9.45 Registration

10.00 Introduction 
Edoardo Croci Smart City Observatory Coordinator, GREEN – Bocconi University
Giuseppe Franco Ferrari Smart City Observatory Coordinator, Angelo Sraffa Department of Legal Studies, Bocconi University

The European regulation on construction products
Inigo Urresti Senior Expert, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Unit GROW.H1 – Construction, European Commission

The contribution of CAMs in promoting sustainability in construction
Pietro Agrello Head of Division II, Integrated product policies and eco-sustainability of consumption, minimum environmental criteria and certifications, General directorate for product and consumption sustainability (SPC), Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security

Opportunities and barriers to the diffusion of sustainable materials in construction
Patrizia Aversa Technical Expert, Department of Sustainability Circularity and Adaptation to Climate Change of Production and Territorial Systems, ENEA

The role of products and materials in buildings' sustainability certifications
Monica Lavagna, Associate Professor, Polytechnic of Milan DABC

The reduction of embodied carbon in construction activities
Paolo Cresci Head of Sustainable Development, ARUP

11.40 Roundtable: Sustainable building materials: challenges, solutions, and business perspectives
Moderated by: Tania Molteni Research Fellow, GREEN Bocconi University

Speakers:
Giovanni Deleo Vice President Technology and Innovation, Assimpredil ANCE
Saverio Fossati Responsible for communication, Assoedilizia
Francesco Guerrera Technical Director, Euromilano
Matteo Papagni General Director, Aler Milano
Marco Squinzi Chief Executive Officer and Director of Research & Development, MAPEI

Conclusions              

Workshop attendance is free, registration is required at the following link:

https://eventi.unibocconi.it/index.php?key=ev2025040105