Abstract The building and construction sector plays a crucial role in implementing energy efficiency and, more generally, in reducing environmental impacts. In this context, design is a key-phase for effective improvement in the whole sector. Therefore, the adoption of the Eco-design approach can be a “green” turning point for the strategies of this sector. This study aims to investigate factors and drawbacks that drive designers in the implementation of Eco-design. The data are collected by a questionnaire survey covering a considerable number of designers in Tuscany (region in Central Italy). The results reveal that designers have a high environmental sensitivity, but a systematic adoption of Eco-design approach is still far. Moreover, the study highlights the spreading in the sector of those “internal” key factors that normally foster the inclusion of energy and environmental criteria in the building design, e.g. training, cooperation with supply chain and certification schemes.