The Hidden Cost of Poor Airflow in High-Performance Commercial Buildings

Poor airflow in commercial buildings leads to higher energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and HVAC wear. Learn how to identify and solv

Ava Montini

Mar 24, 2025

Written by

Published on

Why airflow inefficiencies drive up costs, compromise indoor air quality, and create hidden challenges for facility managers

Most commercial and institutional buildings today are designed with performance and efficiency in mind. Energy benchmarks, ESG goals, and occupant well-being are often front and center. But despite those efforts, one critical element of building performance is consistently underdiagnosed: airflow.

Poor airflow can silently affect every corner of your building’s operations — from higher energy consumption and HVAC maintenance costs to reduced indoor air quality (IAQ) and missed sustainability opportunities. It rarely shows up as a red flag on day one, but over time, it chips away at performance in ways that are both measurable and avoidable.

Inefficient Airflow Increases Energy Use — Even in “Efficient” Buildings

In many commercial buildings, HVAC systems account for roughly 30–40% of total energy consumption, according to Natural Resources Canada and ASHRAE. But when airflow is restricted, that percentage can climb significantly.

The most common culprits are high-resistance filters, dirty or aging ductwork, unbalanced systems, or outdated fans. These conditions increase static pressure, which forces HVAC fans to work harder and longer to achieve required airflow levels.

According to a study by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), buildings with airflow-related HVAC issues can see energy use increase by up to 30% compared to optimized systems. [1]

Even minor issues can have an outsized impact. A 100,000 sq. ft. office building experiencing elevated fan energy use due to clogged filters or inefficient duct design could face annual utility costs tens of thousands of dollars higher than necessary. For building owners managing multiple sites, that inefficiency compounds quickly.

Airflow and Indoor Air Quality Are Closely Linked

Buildings are dynamic systems, and air quality tends to suffer when airflow is compromised. Insufficient airflow can lead to poor ventilation, uneven air distribution, and pockets of stagnation in rooms or zones. These areas often experience elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter — especially in high-occupancy spaces.

A 2015 study from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that employees working in well-ventilated buildings performed 61% better on cognitive tasks than those in typical buildings with poor ventilation and air quality. [2]

In schools, researchers have found that students in classrooms with improved ventilation perform better on standardized tests. [3] In healthcare facilities, inadequate air movement can increase the risk of airborne illness transmission.

Common complaints like “stuffy rooms,” temperature inconsistencies, or fatigue can often be traced back to airflow and ventilation issues — even when temperature setpoints and filtration standards are technically being met.

Poor Airflow Wears Down HVAC Systems Faster

Inefficient airflow costs more on your energy bill and accelerates mechanical wear and tear. When fan motors, compressors, and dampers are forced to operate under continuous load, components degrade faster than expected.

This leads to:

More frequent repairs and service calls
Shortened equipment lifespan
Greater downtime and occupant discomfort during peak seasons

A study from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) notes that air distribution restrictions are a key factor in premature HVAC failure and reduced system capacity. [4]

The cost of replacing a rooftop unit, for example, can range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on building size and complexity — not including indirect costs from temporary system downtime.

Sustainability Targets Can Be Quietly Undermined

Many facilities today are pursuing ESG goals, LEED certification, or local emissions reduction mandates. But airflow inefficiencies can quietly work against those targets by increasing Scope 2 emissions (energy-related emissions) and filter waste.

High-resistance air filters, mainly traditional pleated filters, can contribute to this in two ways:

Increased energy use due to pressure drop
Frequent changeouts, leading to more waste and landfill contribution

According to a 2021 study in Building and Environment, filter pressure drop is one of the most overlooked contributors to unnecessary HVAC energy use — especially when filters are overused or under-maintained. [5]

If a building claims progress in sustainability, it’s important to ensure that filtration and airflow practices align with those claims—both from an energy and waste standpoint.

Missed Opportunities for Incentives and Cost Recovery

One of the lesser-known downsides of inefficient airflow is the lost opportunity to qualify for energy retrofit incentives.

Many utility and government programs across North America offer rebates, grants, or low-interest financing for businesses upgrading HVAC systems, controls, and low-pressure filtration. But to be eligible, buildings often need to demonstrate quantifiable improvements in system performance.

For example, Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program offers up to 50% of project costs for energy-efficiency upgrades, including those related to ventilation, air handling units, and demand control ventilation systems. [6]

Without data on airflow improvement or energy reduction — or without addressing underlying airflow inefficiencies — buildings may fail to qualify, leaving funding on the table.

Practical Steps to Address Airflow Challenges

The good news is that improving airflow doesn’t require a major capital project. Many impactful changes can be made within existing operations and maintenance cycles.

Here’s where most facilities can start:

Conduct a static pressure and airflow assessment to identify bottlenecks
Replace high-pressure filters with low-pressure, high-efficiency alternatives
Balance and tune your HVAC system, especially if zones have changed due to new usage patterns
Install real-time IAQ monitors to detect issues as they emerge, not after complaints arise
Track filter changeouts and energy use to capture data for future incentive applications

These strategies are already being implemented in facilities across North America — and in most cases, they deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and occupant satisfaction.

Airflow may not be the most visible part of your building, but it’s one of the most influential. When ignored, it quietly drives up energy costs, reduces system lifespan, and compromises air quality.

For facility managers and business owners focused on performance, sustainability, and operational clarity, airflow should be on the radar — not just as a maintenance metric but as a lever for long-term efficiency and resilience.

Addressing airflow challenges is a straightforward, high-ROI step that supports healthier, more cost-effective, and future-ready buildings.

What are Eco-Friendly Building Materials?

Jennifer Crowley
Aug 2, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Image of an office building surrounded by lush trees housed within triangular greenhouse wall panels - giving the illusion that the building sits within a greenhouse — Sustainable construction practices not only benefit the environment but also offer economic advantages, such as reduced operating costs, increased property value, and improved occupant satisfaction.

Eco-friendly building materials, also known as sustainable or green building materials, are those that are sourced, manufactured, used, and disposed of in a manner that minimizes harm to the environment and human health. These materials are carefully chosen to reduce the ecological footprint of buildings throughout their lifecycle, from construction to operation and eventual demolition or deconstruction. The aim is to create structures that are energy-efficient, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible.

The Importance of Sustainable Construction Practices

The construction industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation, consuming vast amounts of energy and resources while generating substantial waste and greenhouse gas emissions. By embracing sustainable practices, such as incorporating eco-friendly materials, optimizing energy performance, implementing efficient water management systems, and adopting environmentally responsible construction methods, the industry can significantly reduce its impact on the planet.

Sustainable construction practices not only benefit the environment but also offer economic advantages, such as reduced operating costs, increased property value, and improved occupant satisfaction. Moreover, they align with evolving regulations, green building certifications, and the growing demand for environmentally conscious buildings from consumers, businesses, and governments.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Building Materials

Reduced environmental impact and carbon footprint: One of the primary benefits of eco-friendly building materials is their ability to significantly reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint associated with construction projects.

Energy efficiency and improved insulation: Eco-friendly building materials are known for their excellent energy efficiency properties. They help create well-insulated structures that can reduce the need for excessive heating, cooling, and artificial lighting.

Health benefits for occupants: Eco-friendly materials are designed to be low or non-toxic, ensuring cleaner indoor environments. For instance, using natural paints and finishes that are free from harmful chemicals can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.

Cost-effectiveness and long-term savings: While eco-friendly building materials may sometimes have higher upfront costs compared to traditional materials, they offer long-term savings and cost-effectiveness.

Promoting a greener and more sustainable future: By utilizing eco-friendly building materials, the construction industry plays a crucial role in promoting a greener and more sustainable future.

Examples of Eco-Friendly Building Materials

Types of Eco-Friendly Building Materials:

Recycled Materials
Renewable Materials
Low-Impact Materials

Non-Toxic Materials

Bamboo: A versatile and sustainable option Bamboo is a remarkable eco-friendly building material known for its strength, versatility, and rapid growth. Unlike traditional timber, bamboo reaches maturity within 3-5 years, making it an easily renewable resource. Its impressive tensile strength and durability make it an excellent choice for various applications.

Cork: A renewable resource with excellent insulation properties- Cork is another sustainable material from the bark of cork oak trees. Harvesting cork does not harm the trees, as the bark naturally regenerates. This makes cork a highly renewable resource.

Recycled Steel: Reducing energy consumption and waste recycled steel is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional steel production. Using scrap or salvaged steel reduces the need for energy-intensive extraction and refining processes.

Natural Insulation: Wool, cellulose, and straw natural insulation materials offer a sustainable alternative to traditional insulation options. Wool insulation, derived from sheep’s wool, is an excellent thermal insulator that is renewable, biodegradable and requires low energy input during production. Cellulose insulation, made from recycled paper or plant fibres, effectively reduces heat transfer and is often used in attics and walls. Straw bale construction utilizes straw as a building material, providing natural insulation while using a byproduct of grain production.

Solar Panels and Energy-Efficient Windows: Harnessing renewable energy. While not strictly building materials, solar panels and energy-efficient windows play a crucial role in sustainable building design. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Energy-efficient windows incorporate advanced glazing technologies that minimize heat transfer.

Recycled Glass: Today, about 27 percent of manufactured glass is recycled. Mixing recycled glass with fly ash creates a concrete-like substance perfect for blocks, panels or construction moulds. You can transform any excess glass into countertops, backsplash, tile and even colourful pebbles for your yard called glass mulch. Opting for recycled glass instead of traditional glass reduces related water pollution by 50 percent and air pollution by 20 percent.

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