As the push for eco-conscious construction grows, biodegradable building materials are gaining attention. From packaging and temporary site materials to insulation and wall panels made from hemp, straw, or mycelium — these products are designed to return to the earth, not the landfill.
But simply stocking biodegradable products isn’t enough. Distributors need clear sustainability goals and KPIs that track availability, usage, and impact.
This guide outlines how to set meaningful sustainability goals and KPIs around biodegradable construction materials, and how to monitor them using your ERP system.
🎯 WHY BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS MATTER
Lower landfill contributions post-construction
Cleaner job sites with less waste management
Improved ESG and LEED alignment for suppliers and contractors
Marketing advantage in green project bids
Builders are now asking suppliers: “Can you show us your product’s end-of-life impact?” Biodegradable options are an easy way to say yes.
📋 SUSTAINABLE GOALS TO SET
Stocking Targets:
Offer at least 10–20% of temporary-use products in biodegradable versions (e.g., wraps, site barriers, packaging).
Vendor Sourcing:
Partner with 3+ manufacturers focused on biodegradable innovation.
Customer Education Goals:
Train inside sales teams on how and when to recommend biodegradable alternatives.
Waste Diversion Targets:
Track volume of biodegradable products sold as a percentage of total materials delivered.
📊 KPIs TO TRACK IN YOUR ERP
✅ Biodegradable SKU Ratio
Percent of your catalog that includes biodegradable materials.
Formula:
text{Biodegradable SKU %} = left( frac{text{Biodegradable SKUs}}{text{Total SKUs in Category}} right) times 100
✅ Sales Volume by Category
Track sales of biodegradable vs. traditional materials in high-impact categories:
Site coverings
Tapes & sealants
Protective films
Packaging
✅ Return or Disposal Rate
Monitor how often biodegradable products are returned vs. used and logged as disposed (or composted).
✅ Customer Adoption Rate
How many recurring customers choose biodegradable options? Track per contractor or project type.
🧠 HOW ERP HELPS
Use your ERP to:
Tag biodegradable SKUs
Attach disposal instructions or certifications
Track material movement from quote to site to disposal
Generate customer-facing reports on material impact
🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS
Biodegradable construction products are a rising opportunity — but success depends on goals, tracking, and vendor alignment. With the right KPIs and ERP systems in place, you can lead the charge toward greener, smarter supply.
