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The European Association for Geosynthetic Products Manufacturers (EAGM) commissioned ETH Zürich and ESU-services Ltd. to quantify the environmental performance of commonly applied construction materials (such as concrete, cement, lime or gravel) versus geosynthetics. Geosynthetic materials are used in many different applications in the civil and underground engineering. In most cases, the use of geosynthetic material beneficially replaces the use of other construction materials. To this end a set of comparative life cycle assessment studies are carried out concentrating on various functions or application cases. The environmental performance of geosynthetics is compared to the performance of competing construction materials used. Geosynthetic reinforced retaining walls show lower environmental impacts than concrete walls.