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Why Energy Efficiency Is Becoming the Real Currency

As global power demand surges from AI and renewables reshape the grid, businesses must turn to energy efficiency to cut costs, reduce risk, and stay resilient.

Ava Montini

Oct 20, 2025

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For the first time in history, renewables have overtaken coal as the world’s largest source of electricity, making up 34.3% of global power generation in the first half of 2025. (The Guardian) Wind and solar are leading the charge, but the global energy landscape is entering a new and more complex era — one defined not just by how we produce power, but by how much we use.


And lately, usage is spiking.


The AI Boom Is Rewriting the Energy Equation

From data centers to chip foundries, the AI boom has ignited a new kind of industrial revolution. Major tech firms (such as Nvidia, Microsoft and others) are no longer waiting for the U.S. grid to catch up; they’re building their own power plants. In fact, one analysis finds that electricity costs in some regions near large AI data centre installations have surged up to 267% compared with five years ago. (Bloomberg)



It’s not just abstract. In the U.S., wholesale electricity prices that would have been modest in 2020 are now far higher in data-centre hotspots. (Sandbox)


Why is this relevant?

  • These high-demand loads strain the grid, making the cost of electricity (and grid services) higher for everyone.

  • The more power-hungry the infrastructure becomes, the greater the business risk for enterprises that rely on stable, affordable energy.

  • As grid infrastructure lags behind demand, companies and organizations have to ask: What control do we have over our energy consumption?


When Power Becomes a Premium

Every kilowatt-hour now carries more weight, especially for companies operating large buildings or complex HVAC systems (sound familiar?). Efficiency isn’t just an ESG metric anymore; it’s a business imperative tied directly to cost-control and resilience.



We’re now at a moment where:

  • Renewables are expanding fast, but demand is rising even faster in some tech/industrial sectors. For example, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that electricity demand from data centres will more than double by 2030 to around 945 TWh — “more than four times faster than the growth of total electricity consumption from all other sectors”. (IEA)

  • Some regions are seeing localized shortages, transmission constraints and higher wholesale power prices. In the U.S., wholesale electricity prices in several markets were up by 40-80 % in 2025 compared with 2024. (Construction Physics)

  • Organizations that wait for the “grid fix” may find themselves paying a premium (or exposed to reliability risk) in the meantime.


Put simply: If you can’t fully control your energy supply, you must control your energy use. Efficiency becomes the operational hedge.


The Efficiency Imperative

Here’s where the story turns from macro trends into actionable insight. The good news: The same technologies driving smarter AI are also enabling smarter buildings and systems. Intelligent filtration, automation, low-pressure HVAC systems, demand-response strategies — these are the tools to control the energy side of the business.


Here are three reasons why now is the time to focus on performance and efficiency:

  1. Cost Avoidance Becomes Value Creation

    With energy prices under pressure and demand growth uncertain, reducing consumption becomes a direct cost-mitigation strategy.– Efficiency improvements often pay back faster when baseline energy costs are rising.


  2. Grid Risk = Business Risk

    Relying solely on external supply (even if green) is a vulnerability; the more you rely on the grid, the more you’re exposed to spikes, shortages or regulatory premium pricing.– Being energy-efficient gives you more independence and control.


  3. Sustainability Meets Differentiation

    With the global pivot to renewables (for example, the projection that global renewable capacity additions between 2025-2030 will be ~4,600 GW) IEA — the organisations that get ahead now won’t just be “green” — they’ll be efficient green. That matters for brand, operations, risk profile.


When you think about building automation, indoor air quality and HVAC systems, you’re often dealing with the largest energy loads after lighting in a built environment. By focusing on filtration, optimization and smart control, you’re reducing both the peak load and the total energy used, which in the current climate is exactly the kind of strategic leverage organizations need.


  • Yes: the news about renewables overtaking coal is encouraging — that shift shows progress. But it also hides a key truth: demand is increasing fast, thanks in part to data, AI, buildings and more.

  • That means supply-side improvements alone aren’t enough. They must be matched by demand-side discipline (i.e., efficiency).

  • Organizations that act now to optimize their energy consumption will be better positioned, from cost, risk and sustainability standpoints, in the years ahead.


So whether you’re managing a campus, commercial building or industrial facility: don’t wait for the grid to “catch up.” Focus on what you control. Because in this new power era, efficiency is the real currency.



MORE INFORMATION

  • To explore available energy-efficient upgrades and funding programs supporting sustainable building projects, visit our Energy Grants page.


  • Learn how our Pro Filter's are helping organizations reduce energy use and operating costs while improving air quality across their facilities.

How Off-Gassing Affects Indoor Air Quality

  • Writer: Jennifer Crowley
    Jennifer Crowley
  • Jul 30, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Office setting with boxes of files and chairs wrapped in plastic.
Due to the prevalence of VOCs in manufacturing, a wide range of products can be sources of off-gassing in homes or buildings.

You’ve likely noticed a distinct smell when introducing newly-manufactured products into your home or office. This scent can be present in a range of items, from freshly-painted walls to new carpets, mattresses, or furniture. However, what we often call the “new smell” could be a sign of potentially-harmful off-gassing, which happens when certain products release harmful chemicals into the air.


In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the sources of off-gassing in both commercial and household settings, explore the impact of off-gassing on health, and offer tips on how to prevent or reduce the speed of the off-gassing process to improve indoor air quality.


What is Off-Gassing and How does it Affect Indoor Air Quality?

During the manufacturing process of various goods, organic chemicals in liquid or solid form can become trapped, leading to off-gassing. As time passes, the product will release these chemicals into the air in the form of gases and particulate matter, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s important to note that the presence of VOCs in the air cannot always be detected by smell alone, and the absence of odour does not necessarily mean that the product is not emitting VOCs.


According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can contain VOC concentrations typically two to five times higher than those found outdoors. Due to the prevalence of VOCs in manufacturing, a wide range of products can be sources of off-gassing in homes or buildings.


Sources of Off-Gassing in Commercial Settings

Off-gassing can occur in various commercial settings, including office buildings, hospitals, and retail stores. Some common sources of off-gassing in these environments include:


Carpeting and Flooring

Carpets and certain types of flooring can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches and dizziness.


Paint and Coatings

Many paints, sealants, and adhesives contain VOCs that can be released into the air during and after application. Inhaling these chemicals can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.


Furniture and Upholstery

Sofas, chairs, and other upholstered items can release flame retardants and other chemicals that can be harmful to human health. Additionally, particleboard and other composite wood products can off-gas formaldehyde.


Cleaning Products

Many commercial cleaning products contain VOCs and other chemicals that can be released into the air during use. This can contribute to poor indoor air quality and can be particularly harmful to people with respiratory issues.


Electronics

A UC Berkeley study found that office electronics, such as computers and printers—especially newer ones—may emit a wide range of VOCs that can accumulate in the air at potentially-harmful room concentrations.


Sources of Off-Gassing

Off-gassing is a concern in households and at the office. Some common sources of off-gassing in homes and at the office include:

  1. Mattresses

  2. Carpets

  3. Dryer sheets

  4. Air fresheners

  5. Cleaning products

  6. Cosmetics and personal care products

  7. Markers, Sharpies and other art supplies


Impact of Off-Gassing on Health

Off-gassing can have a range of adverse health effects, depending on the chemicals involved and the length and intensity of exposure. Some possible health effects of off-gassing include:

  1. Headaches

  2. Dizziness

  3. Eye, nose, and throat irritation

  4. Respiratory problems

  5. Nausea

  6. Allergic reactions

  7. Increased risk of cancer


Children, pregnant women, and people with preexisting health conditions may be particularly susceptible to the health effects of off-gassing.


How to Prevent or Reduce the Speed of Off-Gassing

There are several steps you can take to reduce off-gassing in your home or workplace. Some strategies include:

  1. Choosing low-VOC products and materials: Look for certified products low in VOCs and other harmful chemicals.

  2. Ventilating indoor spaces: Use fans, air purifiers, and other ventilation systems to keep indoor air fresh and circulating.

  3. Cleaning regularly: Regular cleaning can help remove dust and other particles contributing to off-gassing.

  4. Allowing for air exchange: When possible, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.

  5. Speeding up off-gassing: If you’re dealing with a new product that is off-gassing, such as a new piece of furniture, you can speed up the process by placing it in a well-ventilated area and turning on fans to encourage air circulation.


By taking these steps, you can help to reduce the impact of off-gassing on your health and well-being.

Explore expert insights, stay up to date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments that are revolutionizing the indoor air quality landscape within Blade Air's comprehensive Insights Hub.

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