The Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) for construction, updated with the Ministerial Decree of 24 November 2025, reinforce the role of construction materials as a fundamental lever for sustainability in public procurement. In this context, steel takes centre stage thanks to its recyclability, durability and circularity.
The CAM for construction apply to public contracts for the design and execution of building and civil engineering works and include mandatory technical specifications, clauses and award criteria aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the works throughout their entire life cycle.
Steel CAMs: what they provide for
The update to the CAM pays particular attention to steel products, introducing minimum requirements related to the content of recovered, recycled or by-product materials. The percentages required vary depending on the use – structural or non-structural – and the production process adopted, recognising the contribution of steel to the circular economy.
These criteria apply not only to base materials, but also to finished products delivered to the construction site, such as reinforcement and structural steelwork, ensuring consistency between design, procurement and construction.
Verification of requirements and supply chain transparency
Compliance with CAM steel requirements must be demonstrated in the CAM project report, through technical documentation and recognised certifications. The tools provided include, for example, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and other certifications based on the traceability of material flows.
This verification system enhances the transparency of the supply chain and allows contracting authorities to objectively assess the compliance of the materials used, promoting more informed and sustainable choices.
Bonus criteria and emissions reduction
In addition to the mandatory minimum requirements, the CAM building regulations introduce bonus criteria that reward the use of materials with improved environmental performance. For steel, criteria related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and sourcing from plants participating in emissions trading schemes, such as the EU ETS or equivalent systems recognised at European level, are particularly relevant.
These mechanisms encourage the adoption of more efficient production solutions and help to steer the market towards industrial supply chains with a lower environmental impact.
CAM steel and the Pittini Group’s commitment
For the Pittini Group, CAM construction represents a strategic reference point in the development of solutions for the construction sector.
Our steel products for construction comply with current regulatory requirements and contribute to promoting a construction model based on sustainability, circularity and environmental responsibility.
