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

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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.

Ventilation and Health: Air Ventilation For Closed Room

Jennifer Crowley
Aug 2, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Middle-aged white female massaging her eyes while holding her glasses in the other hand, clearly in discomfort — Long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants may also contribute to more severe health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and even certain cancers.

Take a deep breath. Can you be sure that the air you’re breathing right now is clean and fresh?

For many of us, especially those spending significant time indoors, the quality of the air we breathe can profoundly impact our overall health and well-being.

Indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy living environment. It becomes even more critical when dealing with closed rooms, where natural air circulation is limited. Below, we will explore the vital link between ventilation and health, shedding light on how closed-room air quality can significantly affect our well-being.

Throughout this article, we aim to delve into the direct and indirect health effects of poor indoor air quality in closed spaces and discuss the role of proper ventilation in ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living space.

The Link Between Indoor Air Quality and Health

Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air within buildings and structures indoors, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of occupants. Poor air quality can arise from various factors, such as inadequate ventilation, the presence of pollutants, and excess moisture. The consequences of breathing in polluted indoor air can be far-reaching.

Common health issues associated with poor ventilation in closed rooms include allergies, asthma exacerbation, respiratory problems, headaches, and fatigue. Long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants may also contribute to more severe health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and even certain cancers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020, including over 237,000 deaths of children under the age of 5.

How Ventilation Impacts Indoor Air Quality

Ventilation is the process of bringing fresh outdoor air into an indoor space and removing stale air, ensuring a continuous exchange of air to maintain optimal air quality.

Adequate ventilation facilitates proper air circulation in closed rooms, preventing the accumulation of stagnant air and the buildup of pollutants. It helps distribute fresh air throughout the space, ensuring all occupants can access clean, oxygen-rich air.

One of the primary roles of ventilation is to remove indoor air pollutants. Effective ventilation systems can filter out dust, pollen, mould spores, pet dander, and other allergens, making the air healthier to breathe.

The Role of Closed Room Ventilation in Enhancing Well-being

Imagine a stuffy and poorly ventilated room where the air feels heavy and stale. Proper ventilation, on the other hand, creates a comfortable and pleasant environment. Adequate airflow can help regulate temperature, reduce humidity levels, and minimize stuffiness, contributing to an overall sense of comfort and relaxation.

The quality of the air we breathe has a direct impact on cognitive function and productivity. In well-ventilated rooms, where fresh air is consistently supplied, occupants experience improved focus, better decision-making abilities, and enhanced creativity. On the contrary, inadequate ventilation can lead to brain fog and reduced productivity.

The relationship between indoor air quality and mental health is increasingly evident. Studies have shown that exposure to clean air and natural ventilation can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Good ventilation promotes a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors, which can positively affect mood and overall mental well-being.

Signs of Poor Ventilation in Closed Rooms

Identifying the signs of poor ventilation in closed rooms is crucial to address potential air quality issues.

If you or your family members experience frequent headaches, dizziness, coughing, or worsening allergies while indoors, it might indicate inadequate ventilation and poor air quality.

Additionally, these signs are usually indicative of a home that has poor ventilation:

Condensation on windows and glass
Discolouration of the floor, wall tiles, and grout
Early signs of rust stains on plumbing
Mould
Strong odours that don’t dissipate
Heat build-up that doesn’t dissipate

Types of Ventilation

Different types of indoor space ventilation methods are available, each offering unique benefits and suited to specific room layouts and requirements. Understanding these ventilation options can help you make an informed decision about the best system for your closed room.

1. Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation relies on passive methods to facilitate the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. It typically involves strategically placed windows, doors, and vents to allow fresh air to enter the room and stale air to exit. The principle behind natural ventilation is based on wind pressure and temperature differences, creating a natural airflow.

Advantages

Energy Efficiency: Natural ventilation doesn’t require electricity or mechanical systems, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
Connection to the Outdoors: It provides a direct link to the outside environment, allowing occupants to enjoy fresh air and natural sunlight.

2. Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation systems involve the use of fans and mechanical components to circulate and exchange air. There are three main types:

Exhaust Fans: These are installed to expel indoor air and pollutants directly outside, often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
Supply Fans: These fans bring in fresh outdoor air and distribute it throughout the closed room. They work well in spaces with limited access to natural ventilation.
Balanced Systems: Balanced ventilation systems combine both exhaust and supply fans to maintain a balanced airflow. They ensure a constant supply of fresh air while expelling stale air.

Advantages

Control over Airflow: Mechanical ventilation allows precise control of airflow, enabling optimal ventilation rates.
Filtering Capability: Mechanical systems can be equipped with filters to remove allergens, dust, and pollutants, enhancing indoor air quality.

3. Hybrid Ventilation

Hybrid ventilation is a blend of natural and mechanical methods. It seeks to optimize airflow and energy efficiency by adapting to varying external and internal conditions. For example, a hybrid system might use natural ventilation during mild weather and switch to mechanical ventilation during extreme weather conditions.

Advantages

Energy Efficiency: Hybrid systems can reduce energy consumption by intelligently utilizing natural ventilation when conditions permit.
Consistent Airflow: The combination of natural and mechanical methods ensures a steady and controlled airflow.

Tips for Improving Closed Room Air Ventilation

Ensure proper airflow by keeping doors and windows open when possible to allow fresh air to circulate.
Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture and odours.
Consider installing a mechanical ventilation system, such as a balanced ventilation system with heat recovery, to maintain fresh air circulation in closed rooms without compromising energy efficiency.

Best Practices for Maintaining Good Air Quality in Closed Rooms

Regular Cleaning – Regularly clean and dust your living space to reduce the buildup of allergens and pollutants.

Plants and Natural Solutions – Introduce indoor plants known for their air-purifying properties, such as spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants. Natural solutions like opening windows for cross-ventilation on breezy days can also help improve air quality.

Air Purifiers and Ventilation Systems – Consider investing in high-quality air purifiers and ventilation systems tailored to your room’s size and specific needs.

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