Eco-efficient construction and building materials research under the EU Framework Programme Horizon 2020

• Horizon 2020 constitutes the most important instrument for research and innovation in the world.
• Horizon 2020 sustainability focus will have a strong impact on the European construction industry.
• Development of eco-efficient building materials fits well on the Horizon 2020 targets.
• Nanotech energy efficiency building materials can constitute a crucial Key Enabling Technology-KET.

With an overall budget of around 70,000 million € for the next seven years (2014–2020) the EU Framework Programme for research and Innovation-Horizon 2020 constitutes the most important financial instrument for research and innovation in the world. Sustainable development is of paramount significance for Horizon 2020 through climate action and resource efficiency, which will represent at least 60% of the overall budget. This sustainability focus could have a strong impact on the future of the European construction industry and also being an opportunity for the development and commercialization of eco-efficient construction and building materials. This article addresses the case of materials for energy efficiency and materials capable of reusing a high waste content. Nanotech energy efficiency related building materials has the potential to become a hot research area being promoted and funded as a Key Enabling Technology-KET.