Local, Sustainable Sourcing – How to Choose Green Materials That Comply and Perform

Choosing building materials has a major impact not only on construction performance and aesthetics, but also on sustainability certifications, long-term costs, and regulatory compliance. With increasing pressure from standards like BEPS and LEED, developers, general contractors, and designers are looking for smarter ways to source eco-conscious products without compromising quality or budget.

At Eluvial and our partner Covington Supply Co., we make green material sourcing both strategic and achievable.

Why Sustainable Sourcing Matters

• Regulatory Compliance: Energy and sustainability mandates like BEPS, LEED, and WELL require documentation of materials with reduced environmental impact.
• Operational Efficiency: Materials with lower embodied carbon or superior durability contribute to better building performance and longer service life.
• Stakeholder Expectations: Investors, tenants, and municipalities increasingly favor sustainable buildings—and that starts with material choices.

What to Look For in Green Building Products

• Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): These provide third-party verified data on environmental impact across a product’s life cycle.
• Low Embodied Carbon: Choose materials manufactured using less energy and with fewer emissions.
• Locally Sourced: Products transported from within 500 miles reduce transportation emissions and often support regional economies.
• Certifications: Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Cradle to Cradle, GreenGuard Gold, or Declare labels for added assurance.

Common Material Types That Impact Compliance

• Flooring (VOC ratings, recyclability, durability)
• Drywall and gypsum board (low-carbon production methods)
• Wood framing and sheathing (FSC-certified or reclaimed options)
• Insulation (non-toxic, recycled content, improved thermal resistance)
• Paints, adhesives, and sealants (low/no-VOC options)

How Covington Supply Co. Can Help

Our procurement specialists curate a selection of pre-vetted, certified materials for commercial, multifamily, and institutional projects. We can:

• Provide green submittal packages aligned with LEED or BEPS
• Offer takeoff support to reduce waste and over-purchasing
• Compare product performance across sustainability metrics
• Coordinate logistics for consolidated shipments of verified local materials

The Eluvial + Covington Advantage

Our sourcing recommendations are not just sustainable—they’re also strategic. We evaluate performance across durability, cost, and availability, ensuring the products you specify align with the entire project lifecycle—not just the certificate on the wall.

Whether you’re targeting LEED points, complying with DC’s BEPS mandate, or simply aiming to reduce your project’s carbon footprint, Eluvial can help you procure smart, certified materials that support performance and planet.

Looking for sustainable sourcing guidance? Connect with our team