UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights and IFMA Identify Extreme Heat as a Critical Facility Management Risk in New Report

‘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

HOUSTON (Nov. 10, 2026) —  UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights, in collaboration with the International Facility Management Association, has 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 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. 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, Ph.D., 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, Ph.D., 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 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.

About Chemical Insights 

Chemical Insights is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, publication, education, and communication on environmental exposures resulting from technologies and practices, their impact on human health, and processes for reducing health risks. Chemical Insights provides actionable data and resources to help manufacturers, educators, healthcare providers, and consumers make informed environmental health decisions and risk reduction strategies for the protection of human health.

About IFMA

Founded in 1980, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world’s largest, most widely recognized association for facility management 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.

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