Solutions in the residential market are evolving much faster than the non-residential markets. In many countries businesses are slowly going back; particularly in the US, whilst in Europe, Africa, India and part of Asia are still in full or part lockdown. However, businesses are planning for the day when they can gradually or fully start bringing employees and customers back to their buildings. Some building owners are still in a “wait-and-see” mindset pending the number of workers physically returning to work.
It is evident that the combination of existing technologies with the new adaptations along with new technologies will be marketed by HVAC and controls manufacturers with emphasis on ventilation and IAQ, and building owners and operators need to review what the best solutions are for their specific buildings. It is too early to say which technologies and solutions are here to stay and which ones are just a fad that would be adopted by different verticals.
BSRIA is currently undertaking a study looking at IAQ in commercial buildings in North America, which will be available in June. The market analysis will provide a full understanding of the solutions available on the market and where the demand and supply are heading based on interviews with a panel of respondents from selected verticals, new vs retrofit and the forecast in the next 5 years.
The study will focus on Filtration, Air purification, Ventilation (DOAS), Controls and AC in connection with IAQ and as can be seen below we are expecting to see significant growth rates in the demand for filtration filters in key commercial applications such as Education, Hospitality and Offices over the next few years.
The main challenge will be reducing energy demand for buildings while achieving good ventilation rates and IAQ to make buildings safe. The integration of buildings controls with HVAC systems will be key to ensuring the safe return to buildings.