*2.4.3 Purchasing from local manufacturers and disadvantaged businesses*

Procurement of materials from local suppliers lines up with sustainability goals in two ways: (1) by supporting the local businesses and contributing to economic growth and the welfare of the local community and (2) by reducing the negative impacts of shipment of materials on sustainability (air pollution caused by the shipping vehicles, costs, and risks of road accidents).

In addition to local suppliers, the disadvantaged businesses must be supported while selecting the suppliers, or manufacturers. In the U.S. public projects, there is commonly a specified minimum percentage of purchases that must be obtained from the disadvantaged businesses. Examples of these businesses are African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans, and women-owned companies. Considering that most infrastructure facilities are public, maintenance purchases that are often in smaller amounts compared with new construction purchases creates an opportunity to support disadvantaged business although these businesses may not afford to be the lowest bidder.
