Facility Energy Trends for 2025

Trends and technologies come and go, but the energy industry is always changing. Here are some recent energy trends that will impact your facility in 2025 and beyond.

Building decarbonization is on the rise

Building decarbonization has emerged as a primary focus for U.S. companies moving forward. In a recent survey conducted by Carrier Global Corporation, 83% of facility executives plan to increase sustainability spending over the next two years. More than half (57%) cited sustainability as a top priority. Building decarbonization was the highest priority for executives in their sustainability strategies, according to the survey.

Commercial buildings generate 16% of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Decarbonization is the process of reducing a building's carbon footprint by prioritizing energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources and electrifying building systems and equipment. For more information about building decarbonization and links to further resources, see Building Decarb 101 from ASHRAE. There are also industry and technology-specific goals and trends featured in the DOE Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap.

IoT and AI get connected

These are far more than just two trendy acronyms. Organizations are increasingly combining Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices with artificial intelligence (AI) systems to get better, more data-driven insight into energy consumption and facility performance. In fact, the overall U.S. AI in IoT market is projected to grow from $20 billion in 2024 to more than $36 billion by 2033, according to Precedence Research.

Facilities can leverage AI and IoT devices to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability by integrating smart sensors and analytics. IoT devices collect real-time data on energy usage, occupancy and environmental conditions. AI analyzes this data to optimize HVAC, lighting and equipment operations, reducing energy use and improving overall facility performance.

Heat pump market primed for growth

The North American commercial heat pump market is projected to grow from $4.5 billion in 2024 to more than $8 billion by 2032, according to Global Market Insights. Growth drivers include heightened awareness of the environmental impact of fossil-fueled HVAC systems, as well as increased demand for more energy-efficient solutions. At the same time, industry innovations are creating more cost-effective, efficient and flexible heat pump solutions across a variety of HVAC applications.

Heat pumps provide space heating and cooling efficiencies of up to 300% or more by moving heat in and out of buildings instead of creating it, like traditional fuel-fired systems. Air-source and geothermal systems are available. Air-source heat pumps are cheaper and simpler to install and make sense for system upgrades. Geothermal models are more suited to major renovations or new construction.

By keeping a pulse on the latest trends and technologies, you'll be better prepared to make the right decisions to save money, improve sustainability and optimize your facility's overall energy performance. Our team is ready to help you plan for 2025, give your Dynegy sales executive a call.