Enhancing indoor air quality and energy efficiency through life cycle cost analysis

HVAC is the largest energy consumer in commercial buildings, and the fans circulating air are in turn the largest energy consumer within the HVAC category. Air filters are the major obstacle in the path of air flow. Filtration related energy costs in commercial buildings in Australia are in the order of $1 Billion annually; associated carbon emissions are estimated at 3.6 million tons.

Life Cycle Cost modelling shows that upgrading current stock air filters with energy saving sustainable filters has the potential to reduce filtration related energy consumption from 5W/m2 to 2.5W/m2. Further, these readily available modern filtration options improve indoor air quality by removing particulate matter from the airstream with three times greater efficiency, dramatically improving the health and productivity of building occupants. The newly introduced AS1668.2:2024 requires filters for mechanically ventilated spaces to be rated to ISO16890, paving the way for cleaner air in Australian buildings. Eurovent has standardised energy efficiency ratings on the basis of ISO16890 filtration efficiency.

However, to accurately model a building’s filtration related costs many factors need to be taken into account. Camfil has developed a comprehensive life cycle analysis tool that includes technical, environmental, and commercial factors to accurately model total filtration related costs, energy consumption, waste and labour, as well as carbon emissions.