**Can a construction site be considered sustainable?**
Until today, sustainability in the construction sector has been addressed sporadically and without clear regulatory references. However, with the introduction of UNI/PdR 172 “Sustainable site for infrastructure works – Strategies, indicators, and best practices,” this scenario is set to change radically. This new reference practice provides a rating system that enables the measurement and recognition of the sustainability of works during the design and implementation phases.
The document aims to address significant needs for contracting authorities: to ensure that large infrastructure projects are sustainable from their conception and to have an effective tool for engaging with local communities and various stakeholders in the affected areas.
The model was developed by an industry association, involving over 100 experts and around thirty companies. It has also been tested by several contracting authorities and companies active in the field of infrastructure.
The UNI/PdR 172:2025 is based on 33 indicators that cover the entire life cycle of a construction site, from the start of design to the completion of works, addressing environmental and social sustainability goals. Among these objectives, the following stand out:
– **Reduction of emissions:** The aim is to limit CO2 and other pollutant emissions through the adoption of eco-sustainable technologies and efficient management practices.
– **Environmental protection:** Special attention is given to safeguarding natural, historical, and landscape features, minimizing the impact on territories and biodiversity.
– **Promotion of reuse and recycling:** The goal is to encourage the circular economy by promoting the recovery and reuse of materials, resulting in reduced waste production.
– **Stakeholder engagement:** Dialogue and listening to the needs of local communities involved in the projects are encouraged.
Thanks to this new practice, contracting authorities finally have an objective evaluation tool that can be integrated into tender specifications concerning the main sustainability indicators, both during the design and construction phases. This approach also provides incentives for those who choose to follow the practices outlined by the standard, allowing public contracting authorities to select designers and companies by emphasizing the new rating system. Companies that adopt innovative solutions for emission reduction, material reuse, intelligent waste management, and land protection can thus be valued in the selection process.
This initiative represents not only the beginning of a regulatory process but also a significant change in the way the infrastructure sector operates. For the first time, projects can be rewarded based on the sustainability performance demonstrated during the construction phases, following established standards and criteria. Authorities are encouraged to interpret sustainability as a key element in the evaluation and recognition of projects that adopt a responsible approach with the goal of generating value for the environment and communities.
A document like UNI/PdR 172 is not only an important regulatory achievement but also a fundamental step toward achieving concrete and measurable sustainability in construction activities. In recent years, sustainability has indeed become a central theme for international standardization, prioritizing work on documents that can support organizations in the concrete application of sustainable practices.
Today, thanks to tools like UNI/PdR 172, it is possible to verify the sustainability of construction sites with greater ease. In fact, one of the innovative aspects of this practice is the possibility of integrating the 33 indicators with digital models, such as BIM and Digital Twin, which provide powerful tools for continuous monitoring of environmental performances, optimization of logistics, and ensuring safety in the workplace.
In summary, UNI/PdR 172:
