Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, concern over indoor air quality and demand for related technologies were growing. Now, that demand is even greater, but the focus has shifted.

A Guidehouse Insights report analyzes the global market for indoor air quality and ventilation technologies. Published in April 2022, “Market Data: Commercial Ventilation and Air Quality” relied on phone and in-person interviews with industry leaders, as well as secondary research, to present a market analysis and forecast through the next decade.

The report notes that interest in indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation preceded the pandemic, and attention centered on reducing air contaminants caused by outdoor air pollution.

However, public concern about COVID-19 risk has altered the emphasis by generating a “significant focus” on disinfection. This has trained attention onto certain “disinfection technologies,” including ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), ionization and others.

The effectiveness of these technologies is differentiated. For example, Guidehouse notes that UVGI is effective for surface disinfection rather than killing viruses that are traveling fast within the ventilated airflow. For this reason, UVGI will likely be much more effective when combined with filters within air purifiers to disinfect filter surfaces.

Similarly, ionization is effective in virus risk mitigation when the technology is attached to HVAC equipment or air purifiers.

Guidehouse emphasizes that IAQ technology for reducing indoor air contaminants caused by outdoor air pollution is still an important part of the market. Its relevance correlates to geography. For example, in areas with strict building performance standards, IAQ coupled with energy efficiency targets will deliver maximum results.

Guidehouse Insights projects global commercial energy efficiency ventilation and IAQ revenue to grow from $6.5 billion in 2022 to $13.6 billion in 2031 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. In North America, the market is projected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2022 to $3.1 billion in 2031 at a CAGR of 7.1%.