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

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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.

Electromagnetic Filters vs. Traditional Pleated Filters: Which Is Right for You?

Ava Montini
Oct 24, 2024
6 min read

As we spend more time indoors—whether at home, work, or school—the quality of the air we breathe has taken on greater importance. From reducing allergens to ensuring a healthier living environment, the role of air filtration systems in maintaining indoor air quality is undeniable.

For decades, pleated filters have been the go-to choice for many, but with growing awareness of sustainability and energy efficiency, new technologies are beginning to reshape the landscape.

One challenge with traditional pleated filters is the environmental impact. Each year, over 1 billion pleated filters are discarded into landfills in the U.S. alone, contributing to our growing waste problem. As we look for more sustainable ways to improve air quality, electromagnetic filters are emerging as a promising solution. With a focus on reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing air filtration, these filters represent a shift in the way we protect our indoor spaces.

In this blog, we'll explore how electromagnetic filters differ from traditional pleated filters and discuss which option may best fit your space and needs.

How Electromagnetic Filters Work

Electromagnetic filters use an electric charge to capture and remove particles from the air. Imagine how a magnet attracts metal shavings—this is similar to how an electromagnetic filter works, but instead of metal, it pulls in airborne particles like dust, pollen, smoke, and other tiny pollutants.

Here's how it works: as air flows through the filter, the filter generates an electric charge. This charge causes particles in the air to become electrically charged themselves. Once charged, these particles are drawn to oppositely charged surfaces within the filter, where they stick and are effectively trapped. This method is particularly effective for capturing very fine particles that might otherwise slip through traditional filters, such as microscopic pollutants and allergens.

Because electromagnetic filters rely on electric attraction rather than thick layers of material, they allow air to pass through more easily, resulting in better airflow with less resistance. This improves both the energy efficiency of your HVAC system and the overall quality of the air you breathe.

This process is highly effective at removing fine particles without needing dense physical barriers like pleated filters. However, since electromagnetic filters use electric charges, it's important to consider one additional factor—the potential for small amounts of ozone production. Fortunately, many high-quality electromagnetic filters are designed to minimize this, and there are certifications to ensure safe operation without harmful ozone levels.

Avoiding Ozone Production

Electromagnetic filters use an electric charge to attract airborne particles, making them highly effective at capturing both large and small pollutants. While this process is very efficient, it's important to be aware that some filters using electric charges can produce small amounts of ozone, a gas that forms when oxygen molecules (O2) react and recombine into O3 (ozone).

Fortunately, many modern electromagnetic filters are specifically designed to prevent this. Ozone is safe at higher levels in the atmosphere, but at ground level, it can be a lung irritant, especially for individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions. That's why it's always a good idea to choose filters that have been third-party certified to avoid ozone production. Certifications from trusted organizations like UL 2998 and CARB (California Air Resources Board) ensure that the filters meet strict safety standards so they won't release harmful levels of ozone while cleaning your air.

By selecting certified filters, you can enjoy better air quality and energy efficiency while having peace of mind that your system is operating safely and responsibly.

How Traditional Pleated Filters Work

Pleated filters, on the other hand, work by physically blocking particles. Made of tightly woven fibrous material, these filters trap dust, dirt, and larger particles when air is pushed through them. The "pleats" in the filter increase its surface area, allowing it to capture more particles than a flat filter would.

While pleated filters are effective at catching larger particles like dust and pet dander, they do so at a cost: increased resistance. As more air passes through, the filter starts to clog, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain airflow. This can lead to higher energy bills and more frequent filter replacements. Pleated filters are affordable upfront but may end up costing more over time due to frequent replacements and energy consumption.

Filtration Efficiency

Electromagnetic vs. Pleated Filters

When it comes to filtration efficiency, there's a stark difference between electromagnetic filters and pleated filters. Electromagnetic filters excel at capturing ultra-fine particles, which are tiny pollutants such as smoke particles, allergens, and even certain bacteria that can pass through traditional pleated filters. The filter's electric charge allows it to catch particles down to the micron level, which pleated filters often struggle with.

Pleated filters, on the other hand, are usually rated based on their MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which tells you how well the filter captures particles of varying sizes. Most pleated filters used in homes and businesses fall between MERV 8 and MERV 13, meaning they can capture dust, pollen, and mold spores but may let finer, viral particles slip through. Electromagnetic filters, however, don't rely on MERV ratings because their filtration method works differently. By using electrostatic energy, they achieve greater efficiency at capturing both large and small particles without compromising airflow.

For individuals with allergies or in environments where air quality is critical, such as healthcare or educational settings, electromagnetic filters provide a more comprehensive solution.

Energy Efficiency

Lower Pressure Drop with Electromagnetic Filters

One of the major advantages of electromagnetic filters is their low-pressure drop. Pressure drop refers to the resistance that air encounters as it moves through the filter. The higher the resistance, the harder your HVAC system has to work to maintain airflow. This is why many pleated filters, especially those with higher MERV ratings, can drive up energy costs.

Electromagnetic filters, on the other hand, cause very little resistance because they don't rely on thick layers of material to block particles. Instead, the electric charge actively pulls particles from the air without clogging up the filter or slowing down airflow. This means your HVAC system can run more efficiently, reducing energy consumption by as much as 30%. In the long run, this leads to lower energy bills and less wear and tear on your equipment, potentially extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Sustainability and Waste Reduction

Sustainability is becoming a key factor in decision-making for many businesses and homeowners. Traditional pleated filters contribute to a significant amount of waste, as they need to be replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on air quality and usage. Each year, over 1 billion pleated filters end up in landfills in the United States alone.

Electromagnetic filters offer a much more sustainable solution. Since they don't need to be replaced as frequently, they generate far less waste. In many cases, they are designed to be cleaned and reused, reducing the need for constant replacements. This cuts down on waste and saves money in the long run. Electromagnetic filters are an excellent choice for environmentally conscious businesses or homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Maintenance and Cost

At first glance, pleated filters appear to be the more affordable option. They are inexpensive to buy and widely available. However, the cost of replacing pleated filters every few months quickly adds up. You have to factor in the cost of the filter itself and the labor involved in changing them, especially in large commercial spaces. Over time, pleated filters can become a costly option, especially when you consider the energy costs associated with the increased pressure drop they create.

Electromagnetic filters, on the other hand, are more expensive upfront but require significantly less maintenance. They last longer and often don't need to be replaced as frequently, if at all. Many electromagnetic filters are designed to be self-cleaning, meaning you won't need to spend as much time or money on filter replacements. Over time, the long-term savings from reduced energy consumption and fewer replacements make electromagnetic filters a cost-effective choice.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Impact

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the most important functions of any air filtration system. Both pleated and electromagnetic filters can help improve IAQ, but electromagnetic filters offer a significant advantage when it comes to trapping the smallest, most harmful particles.

For example, maintaining high indoor air quality in a school or healthcare facility is critical for the health and safety of students, patients, and staff. Electromagnetic filters are more effective at capturing pollutants like smoke, mold spores, and allergens, which are more challenging for pleated filters to trap. This makes electromagnetic filters the better choice for environments where air quality directly impacts health.

While effective at catching larger particles like dust and pet dander, pleated filters can sometimes allow finer particles to pass through. This means they may not provide the same level of protection in environments where air quality is paramount, such as hospitals, schools, and homes with allergy sufferers.

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