AI’s Energy Appetite: What Data Centers Mean for the Future of Electricity Prices

Discover how AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand, prices, and why smarter HVAC and efficiency are critical for sustainable growth.

Ava Montini

Jan 27, 2026

Written by

Published on

Powering intelligence, shaping energy

Artificial intelligence has gone from “what if” to “what now.” We use it to draft reports, analyze data, streamline workflows, and even generate design ideas. But while the results appear on our screens instantly, what powers them is anything but invisible.

Behind every AI tool is a data center; rows of servers drawing massive amounts of power and generating equally massive amounts of heat. And with AI adoption soaring, those facilities are putting real pressure on our electricity grids.

Bloomberg recently reported that in PJM, the largest U.S. grid, capacity prices jumped sharply as AI-driven data center demand climbed (Bloomberg). For operators, this is a direct hit to energy budgets.

So while AI is exciting, it comes with a new operational reality: efficiency in cooling, airflow, and HVAC isn’t optional. It’s the difference between runaway costs and sustainable growth.

Why AI is different from past computing booms

Previous waves of digital growth (like cloud adoption) drove steady data center expansion. But AI is different. Training large models consumes enormous amounts of energy. The International Energy Agency estimates that data center electricity use could nearly double by 2030 to around 1,000 TWh, roughly equal to Japan’s entire annual consumption (IEA).

And it’s not just training. Inference: the everyday process of users asking questions or running AI tasks is multiplying demand across millions of devices. Goldman Sachs forecasts a 165% increase in data center power demand by 2030, largely due to AI (Goldman Sachs).

Cooling: a hidden energy driver

When people think about data centers, they picture racks of servers. But behind that computing load is another energy giant: cooling.

HVAC, chillers, pumps, and fans often make up 30–40% of total energy use in data centers (U.S. DOE). That means the “support systems” keeping servers at safe temperatures can rival the IT equipment itself in energy demand.

And because these systems run 24/7, even small inefficiencies snowball:

A high-resistance filter forces fans to draw extra kilowatts all day, every day.
A dirty coil reduces heat transfer, stretching compressor runtimes.
A miscalibrated damper throws airflow off balance, raising both costs and emissions.

Clogged filters can cut supply airflow by over 35%, driving higher fan power and cooling loads (MDPI). Others highlight how loaded filters in constant-speed systems directly increase electricity use (University of Texas at Austin).

Now scale that across a hyperscale AI-driven facility. A 3% efficiency penalty may look small on paper, but in practice, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and add unnecessary CO₂e to your footprint.

That’s why low-pressure, high-efficiency filtration matters. It cuts resistance without sacrificing capture, reducing fan energy hour after hour. For operators under pressure from rising power prices and sustainability goals, it’s one of the simplest ways to shrink cooling costs while protecting uptime.

Why efficiency pays off more now

Energy savings have always lowered costs. But as grids get stressed and data center demand rises, the value of each saved kilowatt is climbing. Bloomberg recently reported that capacity prices on PJM, the largest U.S. grid, have spiked because of new data center growth (Bloomberg).

In practical terms, this changes the math:

A coil cleaning that once took years to pay for itself can now pay back in just a few months.
Smarter controls and calibrated ventilation keep you protected when prices swing.
Low-pressure filtration quietly reduces fan energy every hour, stacking up bigger savings as electricity prices rise.

The bottom line is that efficiency has become one of the fastest and most reliable ways to control operating costs in an unpredictable energy market.

Building smarter, not just bigger

For operators, the roadmap isn’t a mystery. The tools are already here:

Low-pressure filtration to keep fans efficient hour after hour.
Adaptive cooling strategies like variable-speed fans, economizers, and containment to right-size energy use.
Monitoring-based commissioning and diagnostics to stop efficiency losses before they become routine.
Load shifting and grid-aware operations to tap cleaner, cheaper hours of power (IEA).

Every watt counts

As AI expands, data centers will continue to carry a heavier share of global electricity demand. That makes efficiency less of an option and more of an operating requirement.

The lesson is simple: efficiency and reliability are not competing goals. When facilities prioritize both, they not only manage rising energy costs but also reduce their carbon footprint in measurable, reportable ways. AI may be shaping the demand curve, but how operators respond will shape the industry's long-term sustainability.

At the Intersection of IAQ and Sustainability: Enhancing Indoor Air Quality Through Green Building Standards

Jennifer Crowley
Mar 18, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Image of an impressive indoor structure within a large glass room. The structure is covered in lush greenery and featured multiple waterfalls — Green building standards intersect with indoor air quality (IAQ) to create healthier indoor environments

In the pursuit of healthier indoor environments, the convergence of indoor air quality (IAQ) and sustainability has emerged as a critical focus for building designers, developers, and occupants alike. Green building standards offer a comprehensive framework for achieving both environmental sustainability and optimal IAQ, ensuring that buildings prioritize the health and wellbeing of their occupants while minimizing their ecological footprint.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) profoundly influences our health, productivity, and overall wellbeing. As we spend the majority of our time indoors, ensuring clean and healthy air within buildings is paramount. Green building standards provide guidelines and best practices for achieving sustainable, healthy indoor environments that benefit both people and the planet.

The Importance of IAQ: Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even chronic conditions such as asthma. Additionally, indoor air pollutants can impair cognitive function, reduce productivity, and negatively impact overall quality of life. By prioritizing IAQ, buildings can create healthier, more comfortable spaces for occupants to live, work, and thrive.

Image of female working on her laptop in an office building lobby embellished with lush greenery suspended from the high ceilings — Indoor greenery and biophilic design elements promote IAQ and occupant wellbeing by filtering airborne pollutants, reducing stress, and fostering connection with nature.

Understanding Green Building Standards: Green building standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard, incorporate IAQ criteria into their certification requirements. These standards aim to minimize environmental impact, promote sustainability, and enhance occupant health and wellbeing. By addressing factors such as ventilation, filtration, and materials selection, green buildings can significantly improve IAQ while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Strategies for Enhancing IAQ:

Graphic image of air and dust entering a polarized filter and coming out he other side as clean air. — High-efficiency air filters minimize indoor air pollutants for healthier indoor environments

Filtration: High-efficiency air filters can capture airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, and mould spores; improving IAQ and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. Green building standards often specify minimum filtration requirements to ensure effective air cleaning.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good IAQ. Green building standards advocate for the use of natural ventilation whenever possible and require mechanical ventilation systems to deliver fresh outdoor air to indoor spaces.
Materials Selection: Choosing low-emission building materials and furnishings can help minimize indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde. Green building standards encourage the use of environmentally friendly materials that are free from harmful chemicals.
Indoor Plants: Incorporating indoor plants into building design can help improve IAQ by naturally filtering airborne pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. Green building standards may include provisions for indoor greenery to promote healthier indoor environments.
IAQ Monitoring: Regular monitoring of IAQ parameters such as temperature, humidity, and pollutant levels is essential for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. Green building standards may require IAQ testing and monitoring as part of ongoing building operations and maintenance.

Looking up at exterior foliage from within a glass office building — Maximize natural ventilation and daylight to reduce reliance on mechanical HVAC systems

Case Study: Green Buildings & IAQ: Consider the Bullitt Center in Seattle, Washington, one of the greenest commercial buildings globally, achieving both LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge certification. The Bullitt Center exemplifies how prioritizing IAQ within green building standards positively impacts occupants' health and environmental sustainability.

Impact of Priorities:

Ventilation and Natural Light: The Bullitt Center's design maximizes natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing the need for mechanical HVAC systems while enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing. Ample access to fresh outdoor air and natural light promotes a healthy indoor environment conducive to productivity and wellbeing.
Filtration and Materials Selection: The building incorporates high-efficiency air filtration systems and low-emission building materials, minimizing indoor air pollutants and creating a healthier indoor environment for occupants. By selecting environmentally friendly materials, the Bullitt Center reduces off-gassing and VOC emissions, further enhancing IAQ.
Indoor Plants and Biophilic Design: Indoor greenery and biophilic design elements promote IAQ and occupant wellbeing by filtering airborne pollutants, reducing stress, and fostering connection with nature. The Bullitt Center's integration of plants and natural elements creates a harmonious indoor environment that supports both physical and mental health.
IAQ Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Regular IAQ monitoring and maintenance practices ensure ongoing optimization of indoor air quality within the Bullitt Center. By tracking IAQ parameters and addressing any issues promptly, the building management team maintains a healthy indoor environment that prioritizes occupant health and comfort.

Enhancing indoor air quality through green building standards is paramount for creating healthy, sustainable indoor environments that promote occupant health and wellbeing. By implementing key strategies outlined in green building standards and prioritizing IAQ considerations, buildings can significantly improve indoor air quality while reducing their environmental impact.

As we continue to embrace the principles of sustainability and IAQ optimization in building design and construction, we move closer to a future where every indoor space fosters health, productivity, and sustainability for occupants and the planet alike.