Let’s clarify: there is no official “CAM certificate” in the strict sense. What can be assessed is whether or not a product or intervention complies with specific requirements established by the so-called CAM Decree. The procedures, limits, and methods vary depending on the type, composition, and intended use of the construction component or product. A product that meets these requirements is considered CAM-compliant.
Even when CAM compliance is not mandatory, more and more manufacturers are choosing to develop materials that meet the CAM criteria as part of their commitment to sustainability.
The CAM for construction materials and works are defined in Ministerial Decree of 23 June 2022, No. 256, issued by the Ministry for Ecological Transition, entitled Minimum Environmental Criteria for the Procurement of Design Services for Building Works (CAM Edilizia).
The currently applicable Decree, which came into force on 4 December 2022, replaced the previous Ministerial Decree of 11 October 2017 and introduced new criteria, technical requirements, and verification methods.
Among the construction materials and components subject to CAM compliance are: concrete, prefabricated elements, bricks, wood, steel, plastics, thermal and acoustic insulation, flooring, wall coverings, paints and coatings. Each of these must meet detailed environmental requirements relating to recycled content, raw material sourcing, emissions during production, and durability.
Verification is conducted at multiple levels and takes a whole-building perspective, evaluating the entire construction process beginning with the life cycle of individual products: from raw material origin and recycled content to emissions and other environmental parameters.
CAM are a key instrument in promoting the circular economy and environmental sustainability—not only in public projects but increasingly in private procurement as well.
The primary goal of CAM is to reduce the environmental impact of production processes, promote more sustainable consumption models, encourage the use of secondary raw materials, and improve both the healthiness of buildings and the quality of life for occupants.
Their widespread and systematic adoption empowers designers and clients to select environmentally responsible technologies and products, creating a positive ripple effect across the market and encouraging manufacturers to implement more virtuous production practices aligned with public sector expectations.
In Italy, the effectiveness of CAM is reinforced by the provisions of the new Public Procurement Code.
Specifically, Article 57, paragraph 2 of Legislative Decree No. 36 of 31 March 2023, mandates the application of the technical specifications and contractual clauses contained in the CAM for the entire value of the tender. It also requires that CAM be considered when defining the award criteria for tenders, as outlined in Article 108, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Code.
This legal obligation ensures that Italy’s green public procurement policy effectively contributes not only to reducing environmental impact, but also to fostering sustainable and circular production and consumption models and boosting employment in green supply chains.
CAM are mandatory in the construction sector for public buildings undergoing new construction, renovation, or maintenance.
In addition to mandatory criteria, CAM also include reward-based criteria that encourage the use of innovative practices and technologies. These may include, for instance, BIM design, use of materials with environmental impact lower than the minimum requirements, or the adoption of renewable energy sources. These practices can provide additional points during tender evaluations, giving a competitive advantage to more sustainable solutions.
There are currently 21 active CAM covering various industrial and economic sectors, including: indoor and outdoor furniture, incontinence aids, safety footwear and leather accessories, paper, toner cartridges, cultural events, public lighting (supply and design), road infrastructure, industrial laundry and textile rental services, cleaning and sanitation services, urban waste and street sweeping, collective catering, energy services for buildings, printers, textiles, vehicles, and urban green spaces.
Certimac, a Research Organization founded by ENEA and CNR, supports manufacturers in verifying compliance with the environmental requirements of the CAM Decree.
Thanks to its expertise in materials science and product sustainability, Certimac helps companies gather and interpret the technical evidence needed to demonstrate compliance with CAM.
Go to the “CAM compliance” section.
