When building green it is preferable to use building materials extracted and manufactured locally to the site. This has a number of environmental and economic benefits that many can agree on. First off, by using these materials you minimize the embedded energy in their transportation. Less distance to travel also reduces time and money to get that material to the site. In addition to this you are supporting regional economies and encouraging growth within your area.

Specifically, local hardwoods are encouraged over other tropical varieties that may need to be transported from far away. Another example is the production of cement, a material whose components can be found in most of the world. By choosing a local manufacturer the footprint of that material is reduced. Many rating systems recognize the use of locally-sourced materials and encourage their adoption in new projects.