Local Advantage.

Architects are crucial in selecting products that balance design, performance, sustainability and social impact. With increasing global supply chain uncertainties and challenges in verifying overseas compliance, local procurement has become a viable solution to meet client expectations for speed and reliability.

Responsible product selection is often complicated by the environmental and logistical issues of global supply chains: higher transport emissions, long lead times and uncertainty around compliance with local regulations and performance standards. Australian-made products avoid many of these hurdles, offering tailored performance for local conditions, assured regulatory compliance and clear end-of-life pathways. Importantly, local manufacturing also provides greater transparency around ethical sourcing practices and supply chain accountability, ensuring products align with both environmental and social sustainability objectives.

This paper explains the benefits of specifying locally made solutions and outlines best practices for selecting sustainable products. It highlights how local sourcing supports environmental goals, regulatory compliance and social impact, while also providing strategies for architects to make responsible product choices in their designs.