In 2025, building regulations are no longer just compliance checklists — they’re powerful drivers of product selection and supply chain decisions across the construction industry. From energy codes to carbon mandates and safety standards, regulatory shifts are directly influencing what contractors buy, what architects spec, and what distributors need to stock.
Here are the top 10 insights on how new building regulations are shaping product demand this year, and what it means for the future of construction supply.
1. Energy Code Updates Are Driving Demand for High-Performance Materials
Revisions to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and local adaptations are pushing projects toward better insulation, tighter envelopes, and advanced windows.
Demand for continuous insulation, high-R-value assemblies, and energy-efficient glazing is growing
Air barrier systems, weather-resistant sheathing, and insulated headers are becoming standard in many regions
Builders are upgrading to exceed code and qualify for green incentives or certifications
Takeaway: Energy performance is now a core purchasing factor, not a value add.
2. Wildfire, Wind, and Seismic Codes Are Changing Envelope Requirements
States with climate-related risk have tightened building codes, increasing demand for resilient, tested products.
Fire-rated siding, non-combustible insulation, and ember-resistant vents are now mandatory in many wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones
High-wind regions are shifting toward hurricane-rated fasteners and roofing assemblies
Seismic zones are requiring engineered framing and flexible connection hardware
Takeaway: Climate-resilient materials are gaining regional traction — and creating new stocking priorities.
3. Embodied Carbon Regulations Are Reshaping Structural Product Demand
Several states and cities are rolling out embodied carbon reporting and Buy Clean policies that favor low-emission building materials.
Public and commercial projects increasingly specify low-carbon concrete, steel, and asphalt
Products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are seeing higher bid conversion rates
Distributors are being asked to provide carbon data as part of submittals
Takeaway: Carbon-conscious construction is accelerating — and documentation is part of the product.
4. Accessibility Standards Are Driving Demand for Compliant Fixtures and Finishes
Updated ADA and local accessibility codes are changing product demand in multi-family, commercial, and public projects.
Higher use of ADA-compliant hardware, grab bars, accessible fixtures, and low-threshold transitions
Flooring, cabinetry, and doors now need to meet specific maneuverability and reach standards
Designers and GCs seek help identifying compliant product combinations
Takeaway: Accessibility is creating consistent demand across project types — especially in urban markets.
5. Indoor Air Quality Regulations Are Influencing Finish Product Choices
Stricter VOC limits and indoor environmental standards (e.g., WELL, CHPS) are changing demand for coatings, adhesives, and finishes.
Demand for low-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives has grown sharply
Products with third-party certifications (e.g., GREENGUARD, FloorScore) are preferred
Mechanical ventilation and air filtration components are seeing increased integration
Takeaway: IAQ compliance is moving beyond niche — it’s a must-have for many institutional and commercial projects.
6. Roofing Codes Are Requiring Reflectivity, Fire Ratings, and Durability
Roofing regulations tied to fire, energy, and storm resistance are affecting material selection in both residential and commercial sectors.
Growth in demand for Class A fire-rated systems, cool roof coatings, and single-ply membranes
Increased inspection scrutiny means more interest in tested and certified roofing assemblies
Contractors need help identifying code-compliant roof system combinations
Takeaway: Roofing is now a code-driven sale, not just a weather-driven one.
7. Local Green Building Mandates Are Outpacing National Standards
Cities like New York, San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle have implemented aggressive energy, emissions, and electrification policies ahead of national codes.
Local codes require electrification-ready infrastructure, solar-ready roofing, and higher envelope performance
Material selection is being influenced by building emissions benchmarks
Builders are leaning on suppliers to help identify products that meet local criteria
Takeaway: Staying ahead of local regulation is a market advantage — especially for urban-focused distributors.
8. Documentation Requirements Are Driving Demand for Digitally Verified Products
Code officials and project managers expect fast, digital access to compliance data — influencing buying decisions.
Products without clear specs, certifications, or data sheets are often excluded
Contractors prefer suppliers with digital submittal libraries and searchable compliance databases
QR-coded packaging, digital EPDs, and product tracking are gaining traction
Takeaway: If your product isn’t code-documented and digitally accessible, it may not get specified or stocked.
9. Builders Are Standardizing on Code-Compliant SKUs to Reduce Rework
To reduce inspection delays and avoid substitution issues, many builders are proactively standardizing on compliant product sets.
Increased demand for pre-approved assemblies and tested components
Contractors value suppliers who offer “code-ready bundles” and field support
Demand is shifting toward materials that offer broad compliance and predictable inspection outcomes
Takeaway: Simplicity and certainty are selling points in a regulated environment.
10. Distributors That Educate and Align Are Winning Market Share
Contractors, developers, and architects are leaning on suppliers for guidance through shifting regulations.
Distributors that provide training, technical documentation, and spec guidance are becoming preferred partners
Field reps who understand the codes help close more high-value orders
Vendors that align marketing and stocking strategies with regulations are gaining traction faster
Takeaway: Success isn’t just about inventory — it’s about knowledge and support in a regulated landscape.
Conclusion
New building regulations are reshaping product demand across every major category — from structure to finishes. Distributors who track code changes, stock compliant materials, and provide value-added support are seizing the opportunity to become indispensable partners in the modern construction process.
In 2025, the winners in distribution will be those who can predict demand, support compliance, and deliver confidence in a regulated world.
