In 2025, building materials distributors are facing more than just pricing volatility and supply chain disruptions — they’re also navigating a wave of new building regulations that are actively reshaping product demand. From energy codes and emissions limits to fire safety and accessibility standards, regulations at the federal, state, and municipal levels are driving a major shift in the materials contractors choose — and what suppliers need to stock.
Understanding how these regulations impact product selection isn’t just about compliance. It’s about being prepared, competitive, and trusted by your customers as they face tighter requirements on every project.
Here’s what every distributor should know about how new building regulations are influencing product demand — and how to stay ahead.
1. Energy Efficiency Standards Are Driving High-Performance Material Demand
Building energy codes, like the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) and state-level amendments, are raising the bar for thermal performance, HVAC efficiency, and building envelope design.
What This Means for Distributors:
Increased demand for higher R-value insulation, low-e windows, and continuous air barriers
Greater interest in thermally broken products, advanced framing techniques, and heat-recovery systems
More frequent questions from contractors about product performance vs. code minimums
Action Step:
Stock materials that meet or exceed code updates in your region — and ensure your team understands the performance specs that matter to inspectors and architects.
2. Embodied Carbon and Emissions Rules Are Changing Material Priorities
Municipalities and public agencies are adopting Buy Clean policies and low-carbon material requirements that affect procurement decisions — especially on infrastructure and commercial projects.
What This Means for Distributors:
Products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or low embodied carbon are becoming preferred
Manufacturers with transparent sourcing and carbon data are gaining traction
Contractors will need help finding code-compliant alternatives to legacy materials
Action Step:
Develop a “low-carbon catalog” of qualifying materials and make documentation easy to access during the submittal process.
3. Fire Safety and Resilience Codes Are Narrowing Product Options
Regions prone to wildfires, hurricanes, or seismic activity are updating codes to require fire-rated assemblies, wind-tested products, and impact-resistant materials.
What This Means for Distributors:
New SKUs may be required to meet regional insurance or code requirements
Fire-resistant sheathing, siding, and roofing products are seeing increased demand
Materials must often be tested and listed with recognized third-party agencies (UL, ASTM, etc.)
Action Step:
Audit your inventory to ensure availability of compliant products for local hazard zones — and prepare your sales team to assist with documentation.
4. Accessibility and Inclusive Design Requirements Are Expanding
The updated ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and related local codes are shaping product choices for multi-family, institutional, and public projects.
What This Means for Distributors:
Increased demand for ADA-compliant fixtures, doors, railings, and surface transitions
Contractors will be looking for products that simplify accessibility compliance
Missing or incorrect specs could result in costly rework
Action Step:
Work with manufacturers to identify and label ADA-compliant products clearly in your catalogs and digital platforms.
5. Localized Regulations Are Creating Region-Specific Demand Patterns
From California’s Title 24 to New York’s Local Law 97, regional building codes are becoming more stringent and diverse — and they’re directly impacting the materials your customers are allowed to use.
What This Means for Distributors:
One branch may need completely different products than another
National vendors may not always align with local requirements
Stocking must be more granular and demand-driven
Action Step:
Align your product mix and marketing to local code cycles and adoption timelines — and offer dual SKUs when code transitions are underway.
6. Documentation and Transparency Are Now Part of the Product
Today’s contractors and project managers need code compliance documentation upfront — including VOC content, recycled material percentages, fire ratings, and more.
What This Means for Distributors:
Products without proper submittals or performance sheets may be skipped over
Time spent chasing documentation delays projects — and frustrates customers
Distributors who offer “ready-to-submit” product packages become preferred partners
Action Step:
Build a digital library of submittals, specs, and compliance documents that customers can access online or through your sales team.
7. Regulatory Trends Are Moving Faster Than Manufacturer Updates
Building regulations are evolving more rapidly than some manufacturers can adapt. Distributors play a critical role in helping contractors navigate the gap — especially during code transitions.
What This Means for Distributors:
Product substitutions may be required mid-project
Demand may spike suddenly for newly compliant products
Contractors will rely on your team for up-to-date recommendations
Action Step:
Maintain strong communication with vendors and stay plugged into code councils, associations, and local building departments to stay ahead of coming changes.
Conclusion
New building regulations are not just compliance challenges — they’re reshaping the material mix contractors need, and what distributors must be ready to provide. From energy performance and emissions to safety and accessibility, these rules are changing the rules of engagement across the supply chain.
Distributors who stay informed, train their teams, and align inventory to emerging codes will become essential partners for contractors and developers trying to navigate an increasingly regulated construction environment.
