Building Hardware

Building Hardware, often referred as architectural hardware or construction hardware or home hardware and even finish hardware is essentially a collective term that comprise all the hardware that is required in building and construction projects. Catering to decoration, safety and finishing, building hardware supplies are mostly mounted on moving parts of buildings like the doors, drawers and windows. The constant growing demand for exquisite building supplies has led to cut throat competition from low cost manufacturers in low-end market segments therefore, the reputed companies are diversifying their business to higher value added products.

Building Products
Building products & supplies can be broadly categorized into:
Bathroom Hardware, Door Hardware, Furniture Hardware, Safety & Security Hardware, Plumbing Hardware, Cabinet Hardware, Window Hardware, Curtain Hardware

Most of the building products are used to move, fasten and protect the buildings, the examples of this range of product includes door locks, latches, hinges, door closers, door hardware, exit devices, sliding doors, power doors, folding doors, plumbing hardware and safety and security hardware. Available in various shapes, sizes and designs, building hardware have become more popular due to their coherent surface, durability and easiness to clean.

Green Building Industry / Construction Industry
With the world becoming sensitive about the environmental issues the green building hardware & materials supply industry have undergone significant changes. Many building hardware manufacturers & suppliers are making substantial efforts to review their production facilities and processes in order to become eco friendly. The initiation of management system complying with the international environment norms and practices, especially the ISO 14000, is likely to be the prime focus of the green building industry.

Meanwhile, on the back of strong competition from low cost manufacturers in low-end market segments, reputed companies are altering their business to higher value added building products. Conformity with ASTM of the US and BS of the UK are the cutting edge of companies offering high-end building supplies & materials, particularly to western markets. But markets in Asia outside Japan are still commanded by cost-sensitive buyers, who are sourcing primarily for mass construction projects in the region.

As per the norms and product trends of the building hardware, today there is a epochal rise in the demand for DIY (Do it yourself) hardware products. This has led to increase in demand of wall coverings, floorings, paints and fittings serving for DIY applications, as well as hardware and electrical products like electric screwdrivers, hand pumps, drill drivers and DIY home hardware security systems. The new designs that are convenient to handle and easy to install are also helping the construction industry to make its foothold in the market.

Building Industry - The Greener Side
Going Green seems to be the mantra of the world and it can be found to be adopted in the building hardware sector as well. Various non toxic and environmentally safe building products are integrated to make the green range of building hardware. The manufacturers too are becoming extremely conscious about the hazards caused by the emission of harmful gases. Therefore they implant renewable energy for all kinds of processing. For example the local hardware stores in San Francisco is encouraging consumers to reduce the environmental impact in their homes and neighborhoods by adopting greener products on their shelves. Many green building councils like US Green Building council, Center for the New American Dream and similar green building councils have also done a great job in helping and guiding people to make greener buying decisions.

Green Building Council
Green building councils are the non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built and operated. They promote the green building industry, including environmentally responsible materials, sustainable architecture techniques and public policy. To achieve this they have a variety of programs and services, and works closely with key industry and research organizations and federal, state and local government agencies.

Some of the top green building councils are:

• USGBC: U.S. Green Building Council
  Non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable building design and construction.
• Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)
  The Green Building Council's mission is to develop a sustainable property industry for Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions.
• UK Green Building Council
  This organization aims to dramatically improve the sustainability of the built environment, by radically transforming the way it is planned, designed, constructed, maintained and operated.
• Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC)
  The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has embarked upon a multi-year development project to introduce the next generation of LEED in Canada through the LEED Canada Initiative.


• World Green Building Council
  A global not-for-profit organisation working to transform the property industry towards sustainability through its members.