The implementation of environmental management systems (EMS), particularly those based on the ISO 14001 standard, is a strategic lever for improving the environmental performance of organizations and is attracting growing interest from researchers worldwide. However, in the construction sector, companies often struggle to adopt fully developed and certified EMSs, despite the significant environmental challenges they face. This systematic literature review examines the results of existing studies on the impact of EMSs on environmental performance in this sector. The analysis highlights the need to support small and medium-sized enterprises in integrating environmental and quality requirements, while emphasizing the importance of stronger government support and strong legislation, particularly in developing countries. It also highlights the cultural and organizational barriers, such as resistance to change, that make it difficult to adopt sustainable practices. The use of tools such as environmental footprints and internal communication play a key role in business transformation, but structural barriers such as lack of awareness and resources continue to limit the effectiveness of EMSs despite their potential benefits in terms of performance and profitability.