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.

What is Radon Poisoning? Sources, Symptoms and Prevention

Jennifer Crowley
Jun 29, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2024

Base corner of an eroded brick building in the background with a magnifying glass identifying the periodic table formula for Radon (86 RN Radon <222>) — Good ventilation can help to reduce radon levels in your home by allowing fresh air to circulate and helping to dilute any radon that may be present.

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is formed by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation and build up to dangerous levels over time.

Radon poisoning occurs when a person inhales high levels of radon gas for extended periods. When radon is breathed in, it can damage the lungs and potentially cause lung cancer.

Sources of Radon

It’s essential to be aware of the risks of radon poisoning, especially if you live in an area known to have high levels of radon or if you spend a lot of time in buildings where radon is likely to be present.

Some common sources of radon include:

Rocks and soil: After being released from bedrock material, radon passes through the soil, diluting in the air before entering buildings. Granites, migmatites, some clays and tills are particularly rich in uranium and radium, which decay into radon. Radon exhalation from the ground beneath buildings is the main source of radon in indoor air.
Water: Radon can dissolve and accumulate in groundwater sources, such as water pumps or drilled wells in uranium-rich geological areas. Radon in water can be released into the air during routine water use, such as showering or laundry.
Natural gas: Radon can be present in natural gas, which can then be released into the air when the gas is burned. This can be a concern in homes that use natural gas for heating or cooking.

The risk of radon poisoning can vary depending on the location of the building and the specific sources of radon. In general, homes and buildings in areas with high levels of uranium in the soil or rock are more likely to have high levels of radon. Additionally, older homes and buildings are more likely to have higher radon levels due to factors such as poor ventilation and foundation cracks.

Symptoms of Radon Poisoning

The most common symptom of radon poisoning is lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking, and it’s estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher for smokers, as the combination of smoking and radon exposure can greatly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Other symptoms of radon poisoning can include:

Persistent coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Prevention of Radon Poisoning

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure and lower your risk of developing symptoms or health problems related to radon poisoning. Here are some prevention tips to keep in mind:

Test your building or home for radon: The first step in preventing radon poisoning is to have your home tested for radon. A certified radon testing professional can conduct a test to determine the radon levels in your home and recommend appropriate steps for mitigation if necessary. Testing is essential if you live in an area with high levels of radon or if you have reason to believe that your home may be at risk.
Increase ventilation: Good ventilation can help to reduce radon levels in your home by allowing fresh air to circulate and helping to dilute any radon that may be present. You can increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and combining smoking and radon exposure can greatly increase the risk of developing the disease.
Contact qualified contractor: Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose. Contact a qualified contractor in your area for information on how to fix radon problems yourself.

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