Types of planning systems and effects on construction material volumes: An explanatory analysis in Europe

The management of material stock is central for reducing emissions and for optimizing natural resource use. Construction materials are particularly the key because of their role in emission, resource use, and waste management concerns. However, the role of governance and spatial planning in the management of construction minerals is unclear. Based on a panel dataset of 35 European countries for 1995–2017, this study assesses the effect of governance and spatial planning factors, as well as of core socio-economic indicators (namely, GDP per capita, urbanization, and economic structure) at the national level According to the results, the types of spatial governance and planning systems significantly shape the effects on construction material use. Such effects range from − 67–215% relative to the most widespread system, i.e., the conformative system. Economic structure and urbanization have a positive feedback effect on the accumulation process at any level of development. In addition, the ability to resist excess material accumulation encoded by urbanization and economic transition is determined by spatial governance and planning systems. Additionally, a specific planning culture employing a moderate amount of construction material compared to other spatial governance and planning systems, i.e., the neo-performative system, is identified as a promising means to reduce significantly resource demand both in market- and state-led planning contexts. •Neo-performative spatial planning accompanies reduced use of construction material.•Economic growth, share of services, and urbanization reinforce stock accumulation.•The effect of the accumulation process’ drivers vary among spatial planning systems.