The Hidden Cost of Poor Airflow in High-Performance Commercial Buildings

Poor airflow in commercial buildings leads to higher energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and HVAC wear. Learn how to identify and solv

Ava Montini

Mar 24, 2025

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Why airflow inefficiencies drive up costs, compromise indoor air quality, and create hidden challenges for facility managers

Most commercial and institutional buildings today are designed with performance and efficiency in mind. Energy benchmarks, ESG goals, and occupant well-being are often front and center. But despite those efforts, one critical element of building performance is consistently underdiagnosed: airflow.

Poor airflow can silently affect every corner of your building’s operations — from higher energy consumption and HVAC maintenance costs to reduced indoor air quality (IAQ) and missed sustainability opportunities. It rarely shows up as a red flag on day one, but over time, it chips away at performance in ways that are both measurable and avoidable.

Inefficient Airflow Increases Energy Use — Even in “Efficient” Buildings

In many commercial buildings, HVAC systems account for roughly 30–40% of total energy consumption, according to Natural Resources Canada and ASHRAE. But when airflow is restricted, that percentage can climb significantly.

The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans. These conditions increase static pressure, which forces HVAC fans to work harder and longer to achieve required airflow levels.

According to a study by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), buildings with airflow-related HVAC issues can see energy use increase by up to 30% compared to optimized systems. [1]

Even minor issues can have an outsized impact. A 100,000 sq. ft. office building experiencing elevated fan energy use due to clogged filters or inefficient duct design could face annual utility costs tens of thousands of dollars higher than necessary. For building owners managing multiple sites, that inefficiency compounds quickly.

Airflow and Indoor Air Quality Are Closely Linked

Buildings are dynamic systems, and air quality tends to suffer when airflow is compromised. Insufficient airflow can lead to poor ventilation, uneven air distribution, and pockets of stagnation in rooms or zones. These areas often experience elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter — especially in high-occupancy spaces.

A 2015 study from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that employees working in well-ventilated buildings performed 61% better on cognitive tasks than those in typical buildings with poor ventilation and air quality. [2]

In schools, researchers have found that students in classrooms with improved ventilation perform better on standardized tests. [3] In healthcare facilities, inadequate air movement can increase the risk of airborne illness transmission.

Common complaints like “stuffy rooms,” temperature inconsistencies, or fatigue can often be traced back to airflow and ventilation issues — even when temperature setpoints and filtration standards are technically being met.

Poor Airflow Wears Down HVAC Systems Faster

Inefficient airflow costs more on your energy bill and accelerates mechanical wear and tear. When fan motors, compressors, and dampers are forced to operate under continuous load, components degrade faster than expected.

This leads to:

More frequent repairs and service calls
Shortened equipment lifespan
Greater downtime and occupant discomfort during peak seasons

A study from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) notes that air distribution restrictions are a key factor in premature HVAC failure and reduced system capacity. [4]

The cost of replacing a rooftop unit, for example, can range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on building size and complexity — not including indirect costs from temporary system downtime.

Sustainability Targets Can Be Quietly Undermined

Many facilities today are pursuing ESG goals, LEED certification, or local emissions reduction mandates. But airflow inefficiencies can quietly work against those targets by increasing Scope 2 emissions (energy-related emissions) and filter waste.

High-resistance air filters, mainly traditional pleated filters, can contribute to this in two ways:

Increased energy use due to pressure drop
Frequent changeouts, leading to more waste and landfill contribution

According to a 2021 study in Building and Environment, filter pressure drop is one of the most overlooked contributors to unnecessary HVAC energy use — especially when filters are overused or under-maintained. [5]

If a building claims progress in sustainability, it’s important to ensure that filtration and airflow practices align with those claims—both from an energy and waste standpoint.

Missed Opportunities for Incentives and Cost Recovery

One of the lesser-known downsides of inefficient airflow is the lost opportunity to qualify for energy retrofit incentives.

Many utility and government programs across North America offer rebates, grants, or low-interest financing for businesses upgrading HVAC systems, controls, and low-pressure filtration. But to be eligible, buildings often need to demonstrate quantifiable improvements in system performance.

For example, Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program offers up to 50% of project costs for energy-efficiency upgrades, including those related to ventilation, air handling units, and demand control ventilation systems. [6]

Without data on airflow improvement or energy reduction — or without addressing underlying airflow inefficiencies — buildings may fail to qualify, leaving funding on the table.

Practical Steps to Address Airflow Challenges

The good news is that improving airflow doesn’t require a major capital project. Many impactful changes can be made within existing operations and maintenance cycles.

Here’s where most facilities can start:

Conduct a static pressure and airflow assessment to identify bottlenecks
Replace high-pressure filters with low-pressure, high-efficiency alternatives
Balance and tune your HVAC system, especially if zones have changed due to new usage patterns
Install real-time IAQ monitors to detect issues as they emerge, not after complaints arise
Track filter changeouts and energy use to capture data for future incentive applications

These strategies are already being implemented in facilities across North America — and in most cases, they deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and occupant satisfaction.

Airflow may not be the most visible part of your building, but it’s one of the most influential. When ignored, it quietly drives up energy costs, reduces system lifespan, and compromises air quality.

For facility managers and business owners focused on performance, sustainability, and operational clarity, airflow should be on the radar — not just as a maintenance metric but as a lever for long-term efficiency and resilience.

Addressing airflow challenges is a straightforward, high-ROI step that supports healthier, more cost-effective, and future-ready buildings.

The Rise of Green Tech: Shaping a Sustainable Future Across Industries

Ava Montini
Oct 16, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Oct 24, 2024

Green technology is no longer just a concept for new buildings or forward-thinking sectors—it’s driving fundamental change across industries.

The built environment, which accounts for 40% of global carbon emissions, is under increasing pressure to shift toward more sustainable practices. This transition isn’t limited to new construction. Existing buildings, aging infrastructure, and industries that have traditionally relied on resource-heavy operations are now integrating green technologies to reduce energy consumption, cut emissions, and create healthier indoor environments.

As the global market for green building materials heads toward a projected value of $610 billion by 2025, and with the cost of solar energy down by over 80% in the last decade, businesses are realizing the economic and operational advantages of adopting green tech. Beyond compliance with regulations, companies are finding that investing in green solutions drives long-term efficiency, resilience, and financial performance.

But going green means more than just adopting renewable energy. It requires rethinking how we design, manage, and upgrade buildings and systems to ensure they can meet future demands while operating sustainably.

What is Green Technology?

Green technology represents a broad range of innovations that focus on reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and promoting the use of renewable resources. It’s not limited to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power; it spans the entire lifecycle of buildings and products, from sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to waste reduction and carbon capture.

Key areas of green technology include:

Renewable Energy

Solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources are replacing fossil fuels as the backbone of sustainable energy strategies. With the cost of solar power down by over 80% and wind power becoming increasingly cost-competitive, businesses are moving toward integrating these resources into their energy mix to reduce reliance on carbon-heavy energy sources and stabilize long-term energy costs.

Energy Efficiency

The push toward energy efficiency goes beyond reducing energy bills. Smart HVAC systems, LED lighting, and smart building management systems that optimize energy use in real-time are helping to minimize waste while ensuring optimal performance. These systems enable facility managers to automate energy use based on real-time conditions, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.

Sustainable Materials

Building with carbon-neutral concrete, recycled materials, or sustainable timber can drastically reduce a building’s embodied carbon. The use of these materials helps minimize resource extraction and waste, while often offering better durability and lower maintenance costs. It’s not just about reducing carbon footprints; it’s about creating structures that last longer and require fewer resources over their lifecycle.

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy

Green tech also emphasizes waste reduction by designing products and buildings that prioritize longevity and resource conservation. For example, companies are adopting circular economy models, where materials are designed for reuse and recycling, creating less waste and reducing the demand for raw materials. This approach not only reduces environmental harm but also supports businesses in reducing operational costs tied to resource procurement.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

As industries look to curb emissions, CCS technologies provide a way to capture carbon dioxide from industrial processes and store it underground or repurpose it. This technology is being scaled in industries such as cement production and steel manufacturing, where reducing carbon emissions through traditional methods is difficult.

Incorporating these technologies isn’t just a strategy for reducing environmental impact. It’s a pathway to creating more resilient, efficient, and future-proof business operations.

The Built Environment

Innovating at Scale

The built environment, which includes everything from homes and offices to schools and factories, is undergoing a transformation through green technology. As buildings are among the largest energy consumers globally, they present both a significant challenge and an opportunity for sustainability.

Buildings alone account for 30% of global energy consumption, and addressing this requires innovation on a large scale. Programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certifications push the industry to focus on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and occupant health.

Certified green buildings are already showing substantial improvements over traditional designs. LEED-certified buildings report using 25% less energy and reducing operational costs by nearly 20%. These reductions are driven by sustainable design elements such as better insulation, optimized natural lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems, all while providing healthier spaces for occupants.

The integration of smart building systems is enhancing how these green-certified buildings operate. IoT-based systems can track and monitor energy consumption, adjust heating and cooling in real time, and even predict maintenance needs before they arise. This level of adaptability is what makes green buildings more resilient in the face of changing energy demands and environmental regulations.

But the built environment's future lies not just in the construction of new green-certified buildings but also in retrofitting and upgrading the existing building stock—an often overlooked yet critical aspect of sustainability.

Rethinking Energy

The New Standard for Renewable Power

Renewable energy is fast becoming the primary source of energy for both new and aging infrastructure. Solar and wind energy, once considered costly and inefficient, have seen rapid growth due to significant technological advancements and reduced costs. The global capacity for renewable energy is expected to increase by 50% in the next five years, driven by the growing affordability of renewable sources and strong governmental backing.

However, the adoption of renewable energy faces a critical challenge: how to store and distribute energy efficiently. Energy storage solutions, such as lithium-ion batteries and other advanced storage technologies, are key to making renewable energy more reliable. These solutions allow buildings and industries to store excess renewable energy generated during peak hours and use it when demand is high, creating a more stable energy supply.

Businesses that integrate renewables into their energy strategies cut carbon emissions and stabilize long-term energy costs. This is essential for industries facing rising energy demands and volatile pricing in traditional energy markets.

Yet, renewable energy isn’t just for new builds. Older infrastructure can be retrofitted to incorporate renewable energy sources, further enhancing energy independence and reducing reliance on nonrenewable sources.

HVAC and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Advancing Efficiency and Health

HVAC systems are among the largest energy consumers in any building, especially in older structures with outdated systems. However, recent innovations in HVAC technology are helping to reduce energy use while improving indoor air quality (IAQ)—an essential component of occupant health and productivity.

The introduction of low-pressure filtration systems offers a new level of energy efficiency. These filters allow HVAC systems to circulate air more freely, reducing the resistance and workload on the system. This leads to significant energy savings while maintaining high standards for IAQ, particularly in spaces where clean air is critical, such as hospitals, schools, and office buildings.

Smart HVAC systems are another game-changer. By integrating sensors and real-time monitoring, these systems can adjust heating, cooling, and ventilation based on actual occupancy and external environmental conditions. This means that energy is only used when needed, and IAQ can be consistently maintained without overloading the system. Electromagnetic filtration technologies, which trap and neutralize airborne particles, are also advancing IAQ while reducing maintenance requirements compared to traditional filters.

As buildings become more focused on health and well-being, these innovations are essential not just for energy savings but for creating healthier, more productive environments.

Aging Infrastructure

Greening Older Buildings

One of the biggest misconceptions about green technology is that it can only be applied to new construction. In reality, older infrastructure presents one of the greatest opportunities for sustainability improvements. Retrofitting aging buildings with modern green technology is both feasible and impactful, allowing older structures to meet today’s energy standards and improve their environmental performance.

Older buildings often have inefficient systems—such as outdated HVAC units, poor insulation, and single-pane windows—that contribute to high energy use. By upgrading these systems with energy-efficient alternatives, such as smart thermostats, low-energy lighting, and insulation improvements, older buildings can drastically reduce their energy consumption and operational costs.

In many cases, renewable energy systems like solar panels can be installed on older buildings without significant structural modifications, allowing these buildings to generate their own clean energy. Energy storage solutions, like battery systems, can also be integrated to store excess energy for later use, further reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy costs.

Additionally, older buildings can benefit from green building certifications, such as LEED for Existing Buildings, which provide frameworks for improving the environmental performance of existing structures. These certifications promote the use of sustainable materials, efficient energy use, and better indoor environmental quality, bringing older buildings in line with today’s sustainability standards.

Retrofitting older infrastructure extends the lifespan of the building and can dramatically reduce its environmental footprint, making green tech an essential solution for preserving historical and aging structures while meeting modern sustainability goals.

The Expanding Role of Green Technology

The future of green technology holds even greater potential as industries explore deeper integration of carbon capture, zero-energy buildings, and AI-driven energy systems. These technologies are set to revolutionize how buildings are designed, operated, and managed.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS), for example, offers a way to mitigate industrial emissions, particularly for industries like manufacturing and energy production, where reducing emissions is traditionally more difficult. Meanwhile, zero-energy buildings, which generate as much energy as they consume through renewable sources and efficient design, are paving the way for self-sustaining infrastructures.

The World Economic Forum predicts that green technology could unlock $10 trillion in economic opportunities by 2030 and create 395 million jobs. These advancements will reshape industries and create new avenues for growth, resilience, and sustainability across the global economy.

Green Technology is the Path Forward

Green technology is reshaping the built environment and driving industries toward more sustainable practices. From energy efficiency to renewable power, the integration of advanced systems and sustainable materials is building a future that prioritizes efficiency, health, and resilience. Businesses that commit to these technologies will not only meet the demands of today but will be equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.