One of the best things about E1’s data for suppliers is the exclusive insight we offer into specifications – what products, materials, and technologies are being requested in projects. Analysing keywords from thousands of tender documents and specifications over the last year reveals clear trends in what’s in demand. For suppliers and manufacturers, these trends highlight opportunities to align offerings with market needs. Here are some key specification and keyword trends observe
Sustainability and energy efficiency
Green building requirements are now mainstream. References to sustainable technologies have sharply increased. For example, mentions of “solar PV” (solar photovoltaic panels) and “EV charging” in tender documents are up significantly (EstimateOne data suggests the frequency of these terms has risen by ~30% YoY in specs, indicating more projects are including on-site renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure).
Many new schools, warehouses, and even office retrofits are incorporating solar panels on roofs and EV charging stations in parking areas. Likewise, specifications for LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems are essentially standard now.
This aligns with broader industry observations that energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly materials remain a focal point in construction for 2024[25]. Products that contribute to Green Star ratings or NABERS energy ratings (like solar shading devices, double-glazed windows, smart lighting controls) are in high demand. Suppliers with sustainable product lines should highlight these features, as project spec sections increasingly spell out targets for energy performance and even embodied carbon limits.
Prefabrication and modular construction
The use of off-site construction methods is rising to address labour shortages and speed requirements. Tenders across sectors – from education to healthcare – are peppered with words like “pre-fabricated”, “modular”, “pod” or “offsite manufacture”. For instance, some school projects call for modular classroom buildings (to be delivered and installed), and hospital projects sometimes specify pre-fabricated plant rooms or bathroom pods to ensure quality and expedite timelines.
Industry experts note that adoption of such advanced construction technologies and prefabrication is viewed as a way to improve efficiency and sustainability[26]. Suppliers involved in modular construction elements (volumetric modules, panelized systems, etc.) or who can adapt products for easier off-site assembly have a growing market. This trend is likely to continue as contractors seek to mitigate on-site labour risks.
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Advanced materials and methods
We also see innovation in materials reflected in specs. While traditional materials (concrete, steel, brick) remain staples, there’s increased interest in alternatives:
- Mass Timber: Terms like “GLT” (glue-laminated timber) or “CLT” (cross-laminated timber) appear more often, particularly in community buildings or low-rise commercial projects. Mass timber construction, prized for sustainability and speed, has made inroads in Australia. Suppliers of engineered wood or hybrid timber-steel systems may find more specs to fit into.
- Recycled and Low-Carbon Materials: Projects now sometimes specify percentages of recycled content (e.g. recycled aggregate in concrete, or reclaimed timber) and require materials with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). While still niche, this reflects a push for sustainability at the material level. The federal government’s new sustainable procurement policies[27] are likely to reinforce this in public projects, so suppliers might need to provide documentation of their products’ green credentials.
Facade and cladding upgrades
Post-Grenfell cladding rectification efforts have bled into new build specs: non-combustible cladding materials, specific fire ratings, and even references to “no ACP” (aluminium composite panels) are now common in spec sections for facades. Suppliers of cladding, insulation, and facade systems see more stringent requirements – which can be an opportunity if you have compliant products, since many older alternatives are disqualified.
Technology and smart buildings
Modern tenders, especially for high-end commercial and institutional buildings, often include a section on integrated tech. Keywords like “BMS” (Building Management System), “IoT sensors”, “access control systems”, and “ICT infrastructure” show up regularly. Smart building features – from occupancy sensors to automated HVAC controls – are increasingly baked into base build specs, not just tenant fit-outs.
Even schools are specifying the latest tech for connected classrooms. Suppliers in the tech space (security systems, automation, AV equipment) should find this encouraging – it’s becoming a standard rather than an optional add-on.
Top specified product categories
In terms of sheer volume, certain product categories appear in nearly every project. Based on a count of specification mentions, the top five product categories in our commercial tenders (by frequency of appearance) are:
- Electrical and lighting fixtures
- HVAC equipment
- Flooring and finishes
- Structural concrete products
- Plumbing fixtures
This is not surprising – these core building systems are ubiquitous. However, the key insight is in the specificity: e.g., LED lighting and lighting control systems dominate lighting specs; for flooring, there’s been a shift with more mentions of “vinyl plank” and “polished concrete” (perhaps due to aesthetics and low maintenance); in HVAC, many projects now specify VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems or high-efficiency chillers by performance criteria.
Winning specs requires engaging key specifiers
For suppliers, staying attuned to these spec trends is crucial. If certain keywords related to your product aren’t appearing as often as they should, it may indicate a need to educate specifiers or pivot your product development. Conversely, if you see a rising term (e.g. EV chargers) and you have a solution for it, that’s a signal to aggressively market into those projects.
Finally, winning in the spec game often means engaging the key specifiers – typically architects, engineers, or consultants – who write those requirements. With an E1 Supplier Pro Plus account, you can get exclusive access to key specifiers and enhance your specification strategy.
Continue to page five: Major players and key influencers
Doris
Wu
General Manager - Supplier
