The aim of this thesis is to investigate the importance of using the principles of ecology in civil engineering works. In the past, the term ecology in construction works meant only concern for energy saving, but today it connects the characteristics of raw materials, materials, construction products with broadly understood environmental protection. Therefore, ecology stands out as one of the most important factors for the success of the project in the years ahead. The first part of the thesis describes the current legislative framework at the level of the European Union along with all the challenges and opportunities of the green economy. Furthermore, the peculiarities of heavy construction works are presented, as well as current problems in practice related to the types of works, materials and machines. Then, knowledge from the reviewed literature on the "green" principles applied so far in the mentioned types of works, the application of new, sustainable materials, and suggestions for reducing the negative impacts of construction machinery are presented. In conclusion, this work should arouse interest in the introduction of ecology in the construction sector, because today care for the environment is more important than ever before, and construction, as one of the branches that is extremely involved in the field of the environment, should incorporate all available and existing principles of ecology into all types of construction works, with constant education and evolution and deepening of the goals of ecology.