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

Written by

Published on

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:

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.
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.
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.

Top Energy Grants and Funding Programs for HVAC and IAQ Upgrades in 2024

Ava Montini
Oct 7, 2024
3 min read

In 2024, the importance of improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and upgrading HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems continues to grow, driven by increasing sustainability goals and a focus on health and well-being. Businesses, public institutions, and government entities are seeking ways to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets. Energy grants and funding programs offer a crucial pathway to achieving these goals while managing costs.

This guide explores the top energy grants and funding programs available in 2024 to support HVAC and IAQ upgrades, providing businesses and institutions with a roadmap to align their operations with long-term sustainability and energy efficiency goals.

1. Federal and National-Level Energy Grants

Federal-level grants play a vital role in encouraging energy-efficient upgrades, helping organizations improve air quality and reduce operational costs. These programs often provide the foundation for large-scale sustainability projects.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG)
The EECBG Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), provides grants to states, local governments, and tribal entities to improve energy efficiency and conserve energy. The program supports HVAC and IAQ upgrades, helping institutions meet both energy reduction and sustainability targets.

Learn more about the EECBG Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP assists low-income households with energy-related needs, including HVAC improvements that enhance both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It’s particularly impactful in areas where aging HVAC systems compromise air quality.

Explore LIHEAP Program Overview

2. State and Provincial-Level Programs

State and provincial programs provide targeted financial assistance to help businesses, schools, and other institutions upgrade their HVAC systems and improve IAQ. These programs often include rebates or direct funding to reduce energy costs while improving the health of indoor environments.

California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
SGIP is one of California’s leading incentive programs for energy efficiency. It offers rebates for energy-efficient HVAC systems, contributing to reduced emissions and improved indoor air quality. This program reflects California’s broader commitment to sustainability and energy independence.

Explore SGIP
Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program
Ontario’s Save on Energy program provides businesses with financial support to upgrade their HVAC systems, offering incentives for energy-efficient retrofits that improve IAQ and reduce energy consumption. This program is a key part of Ontario’s energy conservation strategy.

Details on Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program

3. Utility and Energy Efficiency Programs

Utility companies across North America are offering energy efficiency programs that provide rebates and incentives for HVAC upgrades. These programs are designed to lower energy consumption, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of indoor air.

National Grid Energy Efficiency Program (U.S.)
National Grid offers substantial rebates for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades. This program helps businesses reduce their energy usage while improving air quality and contributing to overall sustainability goals.

Read more on National Grid’s program.

4. Green Building Certifications and Sustainability Programs

Incentives aligned with certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard encourage organizations to upgrade HVAC systems to meet higher standards for energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

LEED Certification Incentives
Many cities and states offer incentives for LEED-certified buildings, which prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. HVAC upgrades are often required to meet LEED standards, resulting in improved indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certified buildings use 25% less energy on average, contributing to healthier, more sustainable environments.

Learn more about LEED Certification.
WELL Building Standard Certification Support
The WELL Building Standard focuses on human health and well-being, with an emphasis on indoor air quality. Many funding programs, particularly in urban areas, provide financial support to businesses seeking WELL certification.

Learn more about WELL Certification.

In 2024, energy grants and funding programs continue to provide critical support for organizations looking to upgrade their HVAC systems and improve indoor air quality. These programs offer an opportunity to align with ESG goals while reducing operational costs and improving the health of indoor environments. By leveraging available funding, businesses and institutions can enhance their sustainability efforts and create healthier spaces for occupants.

To explore the available energy grants and funding programs, including regional opportunities across North America, visit our interactive map, where you can find the latest grants tailored to your region and industry.

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