Utrecht (Netherlands) Roadmap for Zero-Emission Construction 2025–2030 Adopted

Utrecht (Netherlands) Roadmap for Zero-Emission Construction 2025–2030 Adopted

Following Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Arnhem and Rotterdam, the City of Utrecht has now adopted its procurement guidelines for zero-emission (ZE) construction. These guidelines apply to all infrastructure projects, maintenance contracts, and municipal real estate (approximately €205 million annually). They cover maintenance, replacement, management, renovation, demolition and new construction.

Construction Logistics

• As of January 1, 2028, a ZE requirement will apply to vans (N1).

• For heavy freight transport, Utrecht aims for 30% zero-emission kilometers per project by 2030.

• As of January 1, 2026, an award criterion will be introduced to encourage this transition.

Citywide BLVC Framework

From 2026 onwards, permit applicants will be offered principles for their implementation plans, promoting desired forms of construction logistics such as consolidated transport, construction hubs and waterborne transport – all aimed at minimizing construction traffic in the city.

Collaboration with Other Clients

The municipality also encourages private sector partners (real estate developers, housing corporations) to apply the minimum level of the “On the way to Zero-Emission Construction” (Op weg naar SEB) standard in the deployment of construction machinery, through pre-construction agreements.

Why this roadmap?

By publishing these guidelines early, Utrecht gives local construction companies time to adapt their equipment and prepare for future municipal contracts. Because ZE requirements will be consistently included in all municipal tenders, companies can count on sufficient utilization of their ZE equipment and a reasonable payback period. Any additional costs will be compensated as much as possible through the national SPUK SEB scheme.

Regional momentum

In the province, 15 municipalities, the Province of Utrecht, and three water boards are already incorporating zero-emission construction requirements into their tenders.