Why Improving IAQ Can Reduce Carbon Faster Than Solar Panels

Before adding panels to the roof, fix the air inside.

Solar panels are visible. Indoor air quality improvements are not.

But when it comes to near-term carbon reduction in buildings, IAQ often delivers faster, cheaper, and more reliable results.

The Carbon Cost of “Dirty Air”

Poor indoor air quality forces buildings to:

• Increase outdoor air volumes

• Overcool and reheat air

• Run fans and chillers longer

• Oversize HVAC equipment

All of this drives energy use — and emissions — upward.

In hot climates, ventilation is one of the largest contributors to operational carbon.

IAQ Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

When contaminants are actively removed indoors:

• Safe recirculation increases

• Outdoor air demand drops

• Cooling loads fall

• Peak electrical demand reduces

This delivers immediate Scope 2 emissions reductions — without waiting years for ROI.

IAQ vs Solar: A False Choice

This is not an argument against renewables.

It’s a reminder that:

• Solar offsets energy use

• IAQ reduces energy demand

Reducing demand first makes every kilowatt of renewable energy more effective.

Why IAQ Acts Faster

IAQ improvements:

• Use existing HVAC infrastructure

• Require no grid approvals

• Deliver instant performance gains

• Improve comfort and health at the same time

Few carbon strategies improve energy, health, and productivity simultaneously.

The Takeaway

If Net Zero is the goal, the fastest wins are often inside the building.

Before adding panels to the roof, fix the air inside.