The construction sector in Ireland, with many key players also operating in the Nordic market, is entering a transformative decade, driven by climate targets and the need for resilient infrastructure.
Consultant engineers and procurement managers are at the forefront of this change, tasked with selecting products and partners that align with sustainability goals and compliance requirements.
This article explores why EcoVadis accreditation, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and conformance with CBAM requirements are critical factors in supplier selection for infrastructure projects.
The role of sustainable access solutions in infrastructure
Access products such as manhole covers or drainage gratings are essential components in transport, water, telecom and energy infrastructure. While often overlooked, their material composition, manufacturing process, and lifecycle impact significantly influence a project’s overall carbon footprint.
Sustainable access solutions, especially those with verified environmental credentials, contribute to achieving embodied carbon reduction targets.
The strategic value of an EcoVadis Gold Medal
EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted sustainability rating platform, assessing more than 130,000 companies across four themes: Environment; Labour & Human Rights; Ethics; and Sustainable Procurement.
A Gold Medal places a company in the top 5% globally, signalling robust sustainability management systems.
For procurement teams, this means:
- Reduced risk: Suppliers are vetted for ethical and environmental compliance;
- Tender advantage: Many public and private tenders now require or reward EcoVadis ratings;
- Supply chain resilience: Gold-rated suppliers are more likely to be CBAM-ready and aligned with ESG goals.
Why Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) matter
EPDs are third-party verified documents that quantify a product’s environmental impact across its lifecycle, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies.
In Ireland, the EPD Ireland programme (run by the Irish Green Building Council) is gaining traction, with nearly 100 EPDs already certified.
For specifiers, EPDs offer:
- Transparency: Clear data on carbon, water, and energy impacts;
- Comparability: Standardised format (EN 15804) allows for like-for-like product comparisons;
- Credibility: Independent verification reduces greenwashing risk.
CBAM: A game-changer for construction procurement
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will impose carbon tariffs on imported goods like steel, aluminium, and cement from 2026.
Procurement teams must now:
- Collect verified emissions data from suppliers;
- Ensure suppliers can provide Scope 1 and 2 emissions for CBAM reporting;
- Prioritise EU-based or CBAM-compliant suppliers to avoid cost and compliance risks.
Suppliers with EPDs and EcoVadis credentials are better positioned to support CBAM compliance.
Why specifiers should prioritise verified sustainability credentials
- Risk mitigation: Avoid reputational and regulatory risks from non-compliant suppliers.
- Regulatory alignment: Meet EU Green Deal, CSRD, and CBAM requirements.
- Market differentiation: Projects with verified low-carbon materials are more likely to meet BREEAM, LEED, and national green building standards.
- Long-term value: Sustainable suppliers often demonstrate better innovation, resilience, and stakeholder trust.
Collaborating with the right supplier
As infrastructure projects become more complex and sustainability-driven, the role of specifiers and procurement professionals is evolving. This is where a leading construction product manufacturer like EJ can offer a valuable partnership with the following credentials:
- Offers EPDs for ductile iron, fabricated steel and composite cover ranges;
- Holds EcoVadis Gold ratings;
- Actively engaged in CBAM readiness and transparent emissions reporting;
- Holds a track record of innovation in sustainable product development.
Choosing suppliers with verified environmental credentials is no longer optional – it’s a strategic imperative. By partnering with experts who lead in sustainability, you not only meet compliance requirements but also contribute to a more resilient, low-carbon future.
For more information, click on EJ Access Solutions.