What does 'regional materials' credit encourage?

The concept of 'regional materials' credit is designed to promote sustainability by encouraging the use of materials that are extracted, harvested, or recovered in proximity to the project site. This approach significantly reduces transportation emissions, supports local economies, and minimizes environmental impacts associated with long-distance shipping. By sourcing materials nearby, projects can also enhance community engagement and resource conservation.

Using nearby resources can lead to greater resilience and diversity in the local economy while decreasing the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials over long distances. This aligns with broader sustainability goals, such as reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting local labor markets.

The other options do not align with the principle of 'regional materials': utilizing materials produced at a national level or sourced internationally does not prioritize local resource usage, and choosing non-renewable materials contradicts the intent of promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.