Comparative Analysis of the Construction Industry in the EU and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC) and Its Impact on Environmental Sustainability

Veres, Boglárka (2025) Comparative Analysis of the Construction Industry in the EU and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC) and Its Impact on Environmental Sustainability. ACTA PERIODICA (EDUTUS), 36. pp. 4-15. ISSN 2063-501X

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Abstract

This study examines the environmental sustainability performance of the construction industries in the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) between 2013 and 2023. Using comparative analysis and secondary data from Statista, the European Commission, and the International Energy Agency, the research evaluates differences in regulatory frameworks, emission trends, and technological adoption. Results show that the EU achieved a 17.6% reduction in building-related CO₂ emissions and a 25% decrease in PM2.5 air pollution, supported by binding energy efficiency standards and renewable energy integration. In contrast, the GCC recorded a 9% rise in CO₂ emissions and only 8–10% improvement in air quality, reflecting limited regulatory enforcement and climatic constraints. The findings highlight that effective decarbonisation depends on policy coherence, technological innovation, and regional cooperation, positioning the EU as a regulatory model and the GCC as a region in transition toward sustainable construction practices.

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