2026 Sustainability Trends Every Facility Manager Needs to Know

Discover the top 5 sustainability trends facility managers need to know in 2026—from performance standards to IAQ, refrigerants, and more.

Ava Montini

Jan 20, 2026

Written by

Published on

A new year, new pressures

For facility and energy managers, 2026 is not just another lap around the operations cycle. The stakes are rising across the built environment: carbon targets are evolving from voluntary goals to enforceable standards, utility grids are growing more dynamic, and your systems are being asked to deliver more than comfort—they’re being asked to demonstrate climate performance.

This change comes at a moment when global energy demand is accelerating. In 2024, energy demand rose 2.2% globally (faster than the decade-long average), while electricity demand jumped 4.3%, driven by electrification, extreme weather, and digital growth. IEA In the buildings sector alone, electricity use increased by over 600 TWh (5%), accounting for nearly 60% of total growth in global electricity use. IEA Blob Storage And forecasts suggest this upward trend will continue: the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that global energy consumption will grow through 2050, outpacing efficiency gains unless stronger policies intervene. EIA

The challenge is that these changes don’t arrive all at once or in obvious ways. They show up gradually—through updated codes, shifting tariffs, new equipment standards, and increasing expectations from tenants and investors. The upside is that facility and energy managers, once working mostly behind the scenes, are now central to turning sustainability commitments into measurable results.

Here are five sustainability trends shaping 2026, and why each matters for the decisions you’ll make in your mechanical rooms, dashboards, and boardrooms.

1. Building Performance Standards Move from Paper to Practice

A decade ago, sustainability reporting was a quarterly or annual exercise filed internally or sent to corporate. Today, Building Performance Standards (BPS) are shifting that paradigm: they tie a building’s actual energy use and emissions to regulatory thresholds, making performance more than just a nice-to-have.

Across the U.S., BPS and similar mandates now exist in nine localities and three states, with penalties or compliance mechanisms for underperforming buildings. (ACEEE) In Canada, cities like Vancouver have already adopted performance standards, and other municipalities are actively exploring similar rules. (Efficiency Canada) Natural Resources Canada also recognizes that BPS policies enable jurisdictions to regulate energy or emissions in existing buildings. (Natural Resources Canada)

Europe is several steps ahead. Through the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, member states are required to set minimum energy performance standards for existing buildings and align them with long-term decarbonization goals. That trajectory suggests North America is likely to follow a similar path, with more cities and provinces phasing in binding performance requirements over the next decade.

For facility teams, this is a shift in mindset: hitting a design target isn’t enough. What matters now is day-to-day performance. Keeping HVAC systems tuned, filters low-pressure, ventilation right-sized, and carbon data tracked continuously.

Treat compliance not as a one-off capital project, but as a persistent operations program. Teams that build strong discipline in data, trending, and low-cost O&M measures (filter swaps, economizer tuning, drift checks) will free up budget (and carbon headroom) to take on higher-stakes retrofits later.

2. Grid-interactive buildings become the norm

The grid you’re tied into is no longer a fixed backdrop. It’s dynamic. As renewables rise, carbon intensity swings hour by hour. In many regions, the grid’s carbon intensity can vary by over 1,000 g CO₂/kWh between low and high hours. EnergyTag

This variability is why hourly accounting, not annual averages, is becoming the standard: studies find that relying solely on yearly emission factors can bias carbon inventories by as much as 35 %, especially in areas with high grid variability. itspubs.ucdavis.edu

For facility managers, your job isn’t just to reduce consumption, but rather to shift it. Running air handlers or pushing large loads at 3 p.m. on a carbon-intensive grid can erase much of the value of your efficiency gains. But shifting that same load to cleaner hours can multiply your CO₂e savings.

Buildings that provide demand flexibility (the ability to curtail, shift, or modulate loads) not only ease grid stress but also help integrate renewables and reduce emissions. ScienceDirect The U.S. DOE’s Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB) initiative explicitly frames buildings as potential distributed energy resources (DERs) that can respond to grid signals. The Department of Energy's Energy

Facilities that align their systems with grid conditions will capture more carbon value, reduce costs, and position themselves for utility incentives and grid services.

3. Indoor Air Quality and Energy Are No Longer Trade-Offs

The pandemic showed that “just add more outside air” is not a sustainable strategy. It drove home the fact that healthier air doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills. In 2023, ASHRAE Standard 241 introduced the concept of Equivalent Clean Airflow (ECAi): a performance-based framework that lets you meet air quality targets with the right combination of ventilation, filtration, and air cleaning instead of defaulting to maximum outdoor air. (ASHRAE)

This matters even more in 2026 because the carbon penalty of over-ventilation is steep. Conditioning excess outside air can account for a significant share of building energy use, especially in regions with temperature or humidity extremes. U.S. EPA modelling has shown that raising outdoor air rates from 5 to 20 cfm per person can sharply increase HVAC energy costs, depending on the climate and system type. (EPA)

The opportunity is to deliver the same (or better) air quality at a lower energy cost. Low-pressure, high-efficiency filtration plays a central role here. Studies show that filter design, not just MERV rating, dictates pressure drop and energy impact. Well-engineered filters with optimized media and geometry can deliver higher capture efficiency at lower resistance than standard pleated filters, reducing fan energy while still supporting ASHRAE 241 clean-air goals. (ScienceDirect)

The play in 2026: pair low-pressure filtration with calibrated demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) and proven air cleaning technologies. Together, they provide safe indoor air with the lowest possible energy penalty. IAQ and carbon goals don’t have to compete. They can reinforce each other when filtration efficiency and system pressure are managed by design.

4. Refrigerant rules shift the replacement playbook

If you’re spec’ing new HVAC or refrigeration equipment in 2026, refrigerant selection matters just as much as capacity. Under the U.S. AIM Act, the EPA is phasing down production and consumption of high-GWP HFCs—aiming to cut them to just 15% of historic baseline levels by mid-2030s. US EPA That transition is pushing the market toward A2L (mildly flammable, low-GWP) alternatives like R-32 and R-454B. Energy Codes

For facility teams, two priorities stand out:

(1) Safety, training & codes readiness

A2L refrigerants bring new safety nuances. Contractors and service teams must be trained, and local codes (leak detection, ventilation, charge limits) must be understood and enforced. Manufacturers are already shifting product lines to A2Ls to align with the 2025 compliance timelines. Energy Codes

(2) Leak management as carbon strategy

Refrigerant emissions are Scope 1 emissions—direct, onsite greenhouse gas releases that come from leaks, servicing losses, or disposal. ASHE Because many HFCs have very high global warming potentials (GWP) (often hundreds to thousands of times higher than CO₂)a pound of refrigerant lost can translate into a large carbon penalty. GHG Protocol

Legacy systems may lose 20–30% of their refrigerant charge over time without an obvious performance impact. U.S. General Services Administration These silent leaks are hidden carbon drains, often overlooked in efficiency planning.

5. From Projects to Performance

Retrofitting systems may win attention, but the real win in 2026 is locking in performance over time. Field studies and commissioning guides show that, without sustained monitoring and correction, buildings can lose 10–30 % of their efficiency gains within a few years, due to drift, sensor faults, coil fouling, or control logic degradation.

Enter Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) and Fault Detection & Diagnostics (FDD). These aren’t big capital projects—they’re everyday practices that keep systems efficient. Research from ASME shows that automated fault detection in RTUs and HVAC systems can cut significant energy waste.

In one office building study, trend analytics flagged simultaneous heating and cooling, broken economizers, and poor control sequencing. Once fixed, the building’s energy use dropped by 10%. The takeaway is simple: continuous monitoring finds waste fast, and fixing it pays off immediately.

What this means for facility leaders in 2026:

Move away from treating projects as one-and-done.
Build dashboards that track energy, ventilation, fan motor indices, and carbon in parallel.
Use automated alerts to flag deviations in real time.
Make MBCx + FDD the standard part of your operations budget—not a side project.

Utility bills stay low, carbon footprints shrink, and your buildings stay compliant and efficient—without waiting for the next big retrofit.

2026 rewards operators

In 2026, sustainability progress will come from strong day-to-day operations. Facility and energy managers who focus on performance standards, grid-smart scheduling, healthy air, refrigerant planning, and continuous monitoring will find they already have the tools to deliver real results.

The equipment in your building doesn’t need to change overnight. What matters is how it’s managed. Every optimized filter, tuned control, and well-timed ventilation cycle adds up, lowering carbon, controlling costs, and building resilience.

This is the year where facility operations show their true strength: turning routine decisions into measurable sustainability gains.

The Role of ESG in Building IAQ Retrofits: Achieving Sustainability Goals

Jennifer Crowley
Jul 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Diverse team, middle-aged Asian businessman, Caucasian young businesswoman, Muslim hijab-wearing focused in ESG goals — Retrofitting buildings to optimize indoor air quality (IAQ) offers substantial environmental, Social and Governance benefits.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming increasingly crucial in the corporate world. These principles guide companies in making decisions that are not only financially beneficial but also environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and compliant with governance standards.

As businesses strive to meet these goals, building retrofits emerge as a key strategy. Retrofitting buildings with advanced indoor air quality solutions from Blade Air can significantly contribute to achieving ESG objectives, enhancing sustainability, and promoting occupant health.

Environmental Impact

Clear glass light bulb protruding from the soil and surrounded by greenery — HVAC systems can be energy-intensive, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the primary components of ESG in building IAQ retrofits is the environmental impact of business operations. Retrofitting buildings to optimize IAQ with Blade Airs solutions offers substantial environmental benefits:

Energy Efficiency: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for about 40% of the energy used in commercial buildings. Blade Air’s advanced filtration systems, such as our Pro Filters and HEPA+ filters, enhance the efficiency of HVAC systems. By reducing the load on these systems, energy consumption is significantly lowered. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes your building’s carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that improving energy efficiency in buildings can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%. Traditional HVAC systems can be energy-intensive, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Blade Air’s solutions, including UV-C light technology and zero-waste carbon filters, help optimize HVAC performance, leading to lower emissions and a more sustainable operation.

Resource Conservation: By improving the longevity and efficiency of existing HVAC systems, Blade Air’s IAQ retrofitting solutions reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs, conserving resources and reducing waste.

Social Responsibility

Man's hands with arms outstretched, holding a small globe representing the earth — Enhanced IAQ reduces the presence of allergens, pollutants, and pathogens.

The social aspect of ESG focuses on the impact of business operations on people and communities. Improving IAQ through retrofitting has significant social benefits:

Occupant Health: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that poor indoor air quality is responsible for approximately 3.8 million deaths annually due to non-communicable diseases like stroke and chronic respiratory diseases. Enhanced air quality reduces the presence of allergens, pollutants, and pathogens in indoor environments. This leads to fewer respiratory issues, allergies, and illnesses among occupants, promoting overall health and well-being.

Community Wellbeing: Healthier indoor environments contribute to the well-being of the community. Schools, offices, and residential buildings that prioritize air quality create safer, more comfortable spaces for people to live, work, and learn.

Employee Productivity: A Study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shown that improving IAQ can boost productivity by up to 11%. Better air quality is linked to improved cognitive function and by investing in air quality improvements, businesses can foster a healthier, more productive workforce.

Governance and Compliance

ESG environment social governance investment concept. Business people meeting,Plan strategies future — By choosing sustainable retrofitting solutions, businesses align their operations with ethical practices.

Governance in ESG involves adherence to regulations and standards that promote sustainability and ethical practices. Retrofitting buildings for IAQ with Blade Air solutions ensures compliance with these regulations:

Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have stringent air quality standards and energy efficiency regulations. For example, the EPA’s Clean Air Act requires businesses to meet specific air quality standards to protect public health. Blade Air’s advanced filtration and purification systems help buildings meet and exceed these standards, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.

Sustainability Reporting: Companies increasingly need to report on their sustainability efforts. Implementing Blade Air’s solutions provides tangible improvements in energy efficiency and air quality, which can be documented and reported to stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to ESG principles.

Ethical Practices: By choosing sustainable retrofitting solutions, businesses align their operations with ethical practices that prioritize the health of the environment and the community.

ESG in Building IAQ Retrofits Case Study

The Historic Toronto Distillery District

Gooderham & Worts building in Toronto's historic Distillery District — By implementing Blade Air's advanced air quality solutions, the Distillery District not only met but exceeded its ESG goals, setting a new standard for environmental sustainability and occupant well-being.

In December 2021, the Distillery District management team contacted Blade Air to improve IAQ in their buildings, which were currently running MERV-13 filters. They sought a solution that balanced reducing their carbon footprint with creating a healthier workspace for tenants, without the prohibitive costs of retrofitting and HEPA or UV solutions, which are energy-intensive.

Blade Air implemented electromagnetic Pro Filters, which use active polarization fields to outperform HEPA in capturing particulate matter in the viral range. These filters have nearly 90% lower static pressure than HEPA and over 70% lower than MERV-13 filters, leading to significant energy savings. Additionally, electromagnetic filters inactivate viruses, offering comprehensive air quality improvement.

ESG Results:

Energy Savings: Achieved an impressive 75% reduction in fan motor energy consumption, significantly lowering operational costs and environmental impact.
Superior Indoor Air Quality: Blade Air's electromagnetic Pro Filters outperformed previous MERV-13 filters by 2.25 times in capturing and removing airborne bacteria, vastly improving air quality.
Streamlined Maintenance: By switching to Pro Filters, which only need to be replaced twice a year instead of quarterly, the Distillery District saw up to a 50% reduction in labor costs associated with maintenance.
Logistical Savings: Pro Filters streamlined logistics by reducing storage and delivery needs, leading to an incredible 92% cost savings and further lowering emissions.

These outstanding results highlight Blade Air’s ability to drive substantial energy and operational savings, enhance cognitive function through superior air quality, and significantly reduce maintenance and logistical costs. By implementing Blade Air's advanced air quality solutions, the Distillery District not only met but exceeded its ESG goals, setting a new standard for environmental sustainability and occupant well-being.

Improving IAQ by integrating ESG principles into business operations is not only a strategic move but also a moral imperative in today’s world. Retrofitting buildings with Blade Air’s advanced air quality solutions helps businesses achieve their sustainability goals by improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, enhancing occupant health, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Ready to integrate ESG principles into your building’s operations? Contact Blade Air today to discover how our advanced air quality solutions can help you achieve your sustainability goals. Transform your building, enhance occupant health, and demonstrate your commitment to the environment and community with your trusted Partners at Blade Air - Let’s make a positive difference, together.

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