The Heat Inside Nov 09, 2026 New IFMA and Chemical Insights Report Identifies Extreme Heat as a Critical Facility Management Risk "The Heat Inside" shows that rising indoor temperatures can increase chemical emissions from common building materials, and gives facility managers a Plan-Do-Check-Act framework for heat resilience [IFMA Global Headquarters] — 9 November 2026 — The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), in collaboration with UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights, today released “The Heat Inside: Why Extreme Heat is Becoming a Critical Facility Management Risk.” The report examines how extreme heat affects indoor air quality, material performance, occupant well-being and business continuity, and what facility management (FM) professionals can do to safeguard buildings and the people inside. Extreme heat days above 95°F (35°C), longer heat waves and warm nights are becoming more common, and people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Building on Chemical Insights' research, the report finds that heat does not only affect comfort; it changes how building materials behave, even without visible damage. Key findings Chemical Insights scientists tested common ceiling, wall and floor materials at a standard room temperature of 73°F (23°C) and at 95°F (35°C), a temperature often experienced by vulnerable populations and during power outages in areas of extreme heat. Every material tested, both natural and synthetic, emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). With few exceptions, total VOC and aldehyde concentrations were higher at the elevated temperature. • New chemicals of concern appear with heat. Some chemicals, including benzophenone and neodecanoic acid in resilient flooring, were detected only at 95°F. • Performance varies by product, not category. The highest emitters at room temperature were not always the highest at elevated temperature. • "Low-VOC" claims can mislead. Vague product claims did not always reflect overall VOC emissions. • Certifications test at one set point. Systems such as GREENGUARD and Cradle to Cradle Certified® typically evaluate materials at a single temperature and humidity. “Extreme heat is no longer just a comfort issue for facility managers. It affects the air our occupants breathe, the reliability of our systems and the continuity of the organizations we support. This report gives FM professionals the evidence and a practical framework to move from reacting to heat events to planning for them," said Matthew Tucker, PhD, Director of Knowledge and Insights, IFMA. "Our research demonstrates that even a moderate rise in temperature can change the types and concentrations of chemicals emitted by common building materials. As extreme heat becomes a growing operational concern, understanding how materials perform under elevated temperatures is essential to protecting indoor air quality and supporting healthier, more resilient buildings.," said Mark Wilson, MSPH, PhD, CIH, Director of the Center for Analytical and Exposure Science, Chemical Insights. A framework for heat resilience The report gives FM teams a Plan-Do-Check-Act framework, rooted in ISO (International Organization for Standardization) management system principles, for preparing for, responding to and learning from heat-related events. It recommends a cross-functional Extreme Heat Task Force led by an appointed Heat Resilience Champion. Availability “The Heat Inside: Why Extreme Heat is Becoming a Critical Facility Management Risk” is available now at https://ifma.foleon.com/chemical-insights/the-heat-inside/. About IFMA Founded in 1980, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world’s largest, most widely recognized association for facility management (FM) professionals. Supporting more than 26,000 members in over 140 countries, IFMA is a key contributor to the development of international FM standards and works with decision-makers to inform FM-related policy. IFMA provides career resources and continuing education, offers three industry-respected credentials, maintains the largest repository of FM-related content on the web and hosts year-round global events. With a vision to lead the future of the built environment to make the world a better place, IFMA believes in the benefit of global diversity, inclusion and social equity, and recognizes that sustainability, resilience and responsible environmental stewardship are paramount. For more information, visit ifma.org and our LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, X and SmugMug pages. Follow IFMA’s Connected FM podcast and blog for expert insights on trending industry topics. About UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) scientific research institute and an IFMA Strategic Partner. Chemical Insights conducts rigorous, unbiased research to better understand environmental exposures and their potential impacts on human health and the environment. To learn more, visit ul.org. Media contacts IFMA: Maureen Lederer • Chief Marketing and Communications Officer • maureen.lederer@ifma.org • 281-306-2274Chemical Insights: Bert Kelly • Communications Director • bert.kelly@ul.org • 404-372-5073
