Facility Changes That Drive 80% of Emissions Savings

The overlooked 20% of building strategies can deliver 80% of emissions savings. Here’s how to reset your 2026 baseline.

Ava Montini

Jan 6, 2026

Written by

Published on

The 80/20 Pattern in Building Decarbonization

In business, the Pareto principle (the idea that 20% of actions create 80% of results) shows up everywhere. It also applies to the way buildings decarbonize.

Most portfolios still treat carbon reduction as a capital-projects problem: new chillers, new boilers, new equipment. These projects are visible, expensive, and easy to headline in ESG reports. But in practice, the biggest near-term gains lie in the systems that are already running every hour of every day.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating, cooling, and ventilation are among the top energy end-uses in commercial buildings, with ventilation alone consuming nearly 10% of the total building energy. Factor in heating and cooling, and the air systems you already own set the floor for your emissions profile. Industry surveys and guidance reinforce this point: HVAC systems consistently account for approximately 40% of energy use in commercial facilities. A share that shifts by climate zone but remains dominant across the board.

Before you buy new megawatts, make the watts you already use travel a shorter, smarter, more efficient path.

Filtration as a carbon multiplier (not a consumable line item)

Why filtration matters for energy (and CO₂e)

Filters impose a pressure drop; fans work against that resistance. Basic fan/affinity laws tell us that pressure rises with the square of fan speed, and fan power typically scales with pressure/flow requirements. Therefore, adding resistance increases fan energy unless the system compensates by reducing the flow.

On variable-speed systems that maintain flow, peer-reviewed work shows roughly linear fan-power response to added system pressure: a 10% rise in total pressure drop ≈ 10% rise in fan electric power (assumes fan and motor efficiencies roughly constant at operating point). CaEE

Field and lab studies show that higher filter resistance reduces supply airflow and can increase total power (especially as filters load), degrading cooling capacity and forcing longer runtimes. Newer research also documents the compounding effects of filter loading, with heavy clogging cutting net supply airflow by >30%, a textbook example of invisible energy waste. ScienceDirect

Moving up in MERV doesn’t automatically mean higher energy costs. Well-designed filters use optimized media and geometry (like deeper pleats or more surface area) to keep airflow resistance low. Studies have shown that these higher-efficiency filters can have a lower pressure drop than inexpensive MERV 8 pleated filters, especially when systems are properly balanced. In other words, it’s the filter’s pressure profile that matters, not just the MERV number. ScienceDirect

If you can lower your filter pressure drop while maintaining or improving capture, you directly reduce continuous fan energy. One of the few all-hours loads in many facilities. Because fans run whenever you condition or ventilate space, these savings translate cleanly into CO₂e reductions (see Section 5 for the math).

Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV)

What DCV does

It modulates outside-air intake based on occupancy (CO₂, people-count, scheduling) to avoid conditioning empty spaces. Codes and standards increasingly require or encourage DCV in high-occupancy areas, with ASHRAE 62.1 updates clarifying when and how ventilation turndown is permitted (including addenda that allow reduction to zero OA during verified unoccupied periods in certain space types). ASHRAE

Across building types and climates, published work shows that DCV control logic achieves ~9–33% HVAC energy savings. Advanced rooftop-unit control packages, which incorporate multi-speed/variable fans, DCV, and smarter economizer control, have delivered double-digit fan and cooling savings, sometimes exceeding 20%. Taylor & Francis Online

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) analyses flag that cost-effectiveness depends on the baseline over-ventilation and occupancy patterns; if your current minimums are already close to code, savings shrink. That’s a guidance feature, not a flaw—the point is to measure your baseline VRs before projecting benefits. Energy Technologies Area

DCV is a surgical lever: attack over-ventilation where it exists, prove reductions with trend data, and lock in permanent load reductions; especially valuable in heating-dominated regions where conditioning outside air is expensive in both energy and CO₂e. Energy Codes Guide

Preventative Maintenance

Controls drift, coils foul, dampers stick, sensors mis-calibrate—quietly taxing 5–15% of portfolio energy in many studies. Modern fault detection & diagnostics (FDD) tools and structured maintenance programs quickly recapture that waste. NREL Docs

Coil fouling: Government and academic sources document material energy penalties from dirty coils; some guidance cites compressor energy up to ~30% higher with fouled condensers (case and climate dependent). Even conservative findings confirm meaningful efficiency and capacity degradation. Avoidable with routine cleaning. Energy.gov.au
Economizers & OA paths: Mis-tuned economizers are common and costly; retuning and sensor QA via FDD is repeatedly highlighted in DOE/NREL/PNNL guidance as a top-tier low-cost fix. PNNL
RTU controls refresh: Campaign results and tech briefs demonstrate that advanced RTU control (variable fan, DCV, and economizer optimization) consistently yields energy reductions of more than 20%, with 25–50% reductions cited in certain deployments compared to legacy constant-speed, always-open baselines. Better Buildings Solution Center

Maintenance is mitigation. It’s also Scope 3-friendly: operating equipment at design efficiency extends service life and defers replacements, reducing embodied carbon churn in your capital plan. (See the measurement plan below to make these savings auditable.)

Turning kWh into CO₂e: a quick, defensible method

Your sustainability stakeholders care about tons, not watts. To translate HVAC savings into CO₂e:

Quantify energy from the measure (e.g., fan kWh drop from low-pressure filters; heating/cooling kWh or therms saved from DCV; kWh saved from FDD fixes).
Apply grid or fuel emission factors appropriate to the site(s) and year.
- U.S. electricity (2022 eGRID avg): ≈ 0.393 kg CO₂/kWh (867.5 lb/MWh delivered). US EPA+1
- Canada electricity (2025 factors) vary widely by province—e.g., Ontario: 38 g CO₂e/kWh; Alberta: 490 g CO₂e/kWh. Selecting the right regional factor matters. Canada.ca

If a low-pressure filter reduces fan energy by ~300 kWh/year per unit (magnitude depends on hours, fan size, and baseline pressure):

U.S. eGRID avg: 300 kWh × 0.393 kg/kWh ≈ 118 kg CO₂e/year per filter.
Ontario: 300 kWh × 0.038 kg/kWh ≈ 11 kg CO₂e/year per filter.

This is why portfolios across different grids see very different CO₂e per kWh outcomes. Even when the kWh savings are identical. US EPA

For transparency in ESG filings, reference the EPA eGRID subregion or the Government of Canada tables (or your utility-specific factors) and archive the PDFs used for each reporting year. US EPA

Risk management & IAQ alignment

Stay within ASHRAE 62.1 minimums at all times when spaces are occupied. DCV is about right-sizing, not starving air. Updated addenda clarify occupancy-based turndown rules—use them. ASHRAE
Filter choices: Seek equal or higher capture with lower ΔP; measure clean and loaded ΔP at your own face velocities. Research shows energy impact depends on filter design and system configuration, not only MERV. ScienceDirect
Measurement culture: Treat IAQ and energy as co-optimized objectives by trending PM, CO₂, temperature, and fan power together, so nobody is flying blind.

What this unlocks for 2026 capex

Once you bank the operational tons above, the economics of electrification, heat recovery, and heat pumps improve because you’re sizing for reduced loads. DOE/NREL work on advanced RTU control consistently shows meaningful kWh reductions when variable fans and DCV are layered in—think of these as pre-project multipliers that de-risk later capex. NREL Docs

The Power of the Overlooked 20%

In the rush to decarbonize, it’s tempting to chase the biggest, newest technologies. But the truth is that many of the most reliable carbon savings are already within reach. Hidden in fans, filters, ventilation rates, and maintenance routines.

Filtration, demand-controlled ventilation, and preventative maintenance may not make the headlines, but together they represent the overlooked 20% of actions that can deliver 80% of your emissions savings. They are measurable, repeatable, and scalable across portfolios, exactly the kind of solutions facility leaders need as they enter a new year of climate commitments.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Retrofitting Old Buildings for Better Air Quality

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Old building mechanical room — Retrofitting older buildings for better indoor air quality is a comprehensive process that involves assessment, choosing the right solutions, implementation, and maintenance.

Retrofitting older buildings for better indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of occupants. Over time, buildings accumulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants that can compromise air quality. Additionally, outdated HVAC systems often fail to meet modern standards, leading to inefficient energy use and higher operational costs. Retrofitting these buildings with advanced air quality solutions can dramatically improve IAQ, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

Assessment Phase

The first step in retrofitting old buildings for better air quality is to conduct a thorough assessment of the current air quality and HVAC systems. This involves:

Young black male maintenance technician with a clipboard checking off inspecting the HVAC system performance — The first step in retrofitting old buildings for better air quality is to conduct a thorough assessment.

1. Air Quality Testing:

Measure levels of common indoor pollutants such as dust, mold spores, VOCs, and carbon dioxide. Use professional-grade sensors and testing kits to get accurate readings.

2. HVAC System Evaluation:

Inspect the existing HVAC system for inefficiencies, outdated components, and potential areas for improvement. Check for signs of wear and tear, and assess the system’s filtration and ventilation capabilities.

3. Building Inspection:

Look for structural issues that could affect air quality, such as leaks, poor insulation, and areas prone to mold growth. This helps identify underlying problems that need to be addressed during the retrofit.

Retrofitting Old Buildings for Better Air Quality - Choosing the Right Solutions

Once the assessment is complete, the next step is to choose the right retrofit solutions. Blade Air offers a range of advanced products designed to improve IAQ and enhance energy efficiency:

Rear image of a young while male maintenance working changing out a dirty air filter — The right IAQ solutions can improve IAQ, save energy, and create a healthier environment.

These capture ultrafine particles, including viruses and bacteria, far exceeding the capabilities of traditional pleated filters. They ensure cleaner air and better protection against airborne contaminants.

2. HEPA+ Filters:

Ideal for capturing up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and mold spores. These filters are especially beneficial for occupants with allergies or respiratory conditions.

3. UV-C Light Technology:

This technology uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the air. It is an excellent solution for reducing microbial contaminants and improving overall air hygiene.

4. Carbon Filters:

Effective for removing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs),

enhancing overall air quality and comfort.

5. HEPA Air Purifiers:

These portable units combine HEPA filtration with activated carbon to provide superior air purification in specific areas, making them perfect for targeted air quality improvements.

Implementation:

The implementation phase involves installing and integrating the chosen air quality solutions. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Preparation:

Building Readiness: Ensure the building is ready for retrofit activities. This involves scheduling the retrofit to minimize disruption to occupants. Informing occupants of the upcoming changes can help manage expectations.

Minor Repairs: Address any minor structural repairs identified during the assessment phase. This might include sealing leaks, improving insulation, or fixing areas prone to mold growth.

Cleaning: Perform a thorough cleaning of the HVAC system and areas where new equipment will be installed. Removing accumulated dust and debris ensures a smoother installation process.

Older white male in coveralls removing the cover to the HVAC unit — Ensures proper installation and maintenance training by bringing in a Pro for installation.

2. Installation:

Professional Installation: Blade Air recommends that our expert team install our filtration products for you. This ensures proper installation and allows us to train your team on installation and maintenance procedures.

HEPA Air Purifiers: Place HEPA air purifiers in strategic locations such as high-traffic areas, common rooms, and near HVAC intakes. Ensure you follow the instruction manual and that they are plugged in and functioning correctly.

3. Integration:

System Connection: Connect the new filters and UV-C light systems to the existing HVAC controls. This may involve updating the HVAC control software or adding new control modules.

Testing and Calibration: After installation, conduct thorough testing to ensure all components are working correctly. Calibrate the UV-C light intensity and HEPA air purifier settings to achieve optimal air quality.

Optimization: Adjust the HVAC system settings to account for the new filters and purification devices. Ensure that airflow and ventilation rates are optimized for the enhanced filtration system.

Young bearded male using an air quality monitor to review IAQ output. — Measure airflow rates, filter pressure drops, and UV-C light output to ensure all is within range.

4. Testing:

Initial Performance Check: Perform an initial performance check of the installed systems. Measure airflow rates, filter pressure drops, and UV-C light output to ensure everything is within specified ranges.

Air Quality Testing: Conduct air quality tests to verify the improvement in IAQ. Measure levels of dust, VOCs, mold spores, and other pollutants before and after installation.

System Monitoring: Set up continuous monitoring to track the performance of the new systems over time. This helps in identifying any immediate adjustments needed to maintain optimal IAQ.

5. Training:

Staff Training: Provide comprehensive training sessions for building maintenance staff. Cover topics such as filter replacement schedules, UV-C light maintenance, and operation of HEPA air purifiers.

User Manuals: Supply detailed user manuals and quick reference guides. Ensure that staff have access to resources that help them manage and troubleshoot the new systems.

Ongoing Support: Offer ongoing support through Blade Air’s customer service. Encourage staff to reach out with any questions or concerns during the initial adjustment period.

Maintenance

Maintaining the new air quality systems is crucial for long-term efficiency and performance. Here are some tips:

1. Regular Inspections:

Schedule routine inspections to check the condition of filters, UV-C lights, and other components. Look for signs of wear and replace parts as needed.

2. Filter Replacement:

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacing filters. Regular replacement ensures optimal filtration and prevents clogging.

3. System Calibration:

Periodically calibrate the smart monitoring systems to ensure accurate air quality readings.

4. Cleaning:

Keep the HVAC system and air quality devices clean. Regular cleaning prevents dust buildup and maintains system efficiency.

5. Data Review:

Regularly review air quality data to identify trends and potential issues. Use this data to make informed decisions about maintenance and system adjustments.

Retrofitting older buildings for better indoor air quality is a comprehensive process that involves assessment, choosing the right solutions, implementation, and maintenance. By following these steps, you can significantly improve IAQ, enhance energy efficiency, and create a healthier environment for occupants.

Blade Air is here to assist you throughout the entire retrofit process, offering advanced products and expert guidance to ensure your retrofit project is a success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help transform your building’s air quality.

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