What are the most important sustainable building trends for commercial property managers to know?

Property managers strive to maximize 2 key things - property value and tenant satisfaction. By staying on top of the ever-evolving energy efficiency standards and regulations (like NYC's LL97) they achieve both those goals. Compliance with laws results in operational cost savings for both owners and tenants. Apart from this direct benefit, implementing energy-efficient upgrades also enhances the long-term property value, attracts more tenants, and boosts tenant satisfaction, all leading to higher occupancy rates, profitability and an overall greener image for the property.

Energy efficiency in commercial buildings involves implementing technologies and practices to reduce energy consumption. This includes using LED lighting, smart HVAC systems, and energy-efficient appliances, as well as optimizing building insulation and sealing. Monitoring energy usage through smart meters and implementing energy management systems helps identify areas for improvement. By prioritizing energy efficiency, commercial property managers can lower operating costs, reduce environmental impact, and enhance tenant satisfaction.

What I feel is for commercial property managers to improve building performance and lessen environmental impact, smart technology optimization of energy efficiency, investments in renewable energy sources, frequent audits, stakeholder education, and monitoring system implementation are essential sustainable building trends.

In addition to these measures, consider incorporating passive design strategies such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal insulation to further enhance energy efficiency. Utilizing energy-efficient appliances and equipment, implementing behavior change programs to promote energy-saving habits among occupants, and exploring innovative technologies like energy storage systems or building-integrated photovoltaics can also contribute significantly. Collaborating with sustainability experts and staying updated on industry best practices ensures continuous improvement in energy efficiency, aligning with global efforts towards a greener future.

I fear this current list saying 'energy efficiency' as a trend is inaccurate! If you're delivering value from your properties, they should be as energy-efficient as possible. However, rebates and incentives tied to energy-efficiency at the federal/local/utility level must be evaluated to help your buildings get to the next level of efficiency.

Green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and occupant well-being. LEED focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials, while WELL emphasizes indoor air quality, lighting, and wellness features. Achieving these certifications enhances property value, attracts environmentally-conscious tenants, and aligns with sustainable development goals.

Getting green certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL demonstrates a property's dedication to sustainability, increases its value, draws in tenants, opens up financial incentives, and assures compliance with regulations. The marketability and legitimacy of commercial real estate are enhanced by these certificates, which confirm environmental performance and procedures.

In addition to LEED, BREEAM, and WELL certifications, other notable green certifications include Green Globes, Energy Star, and Living Building Challenge. Each certification has its own focus, such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, or overall sustainability. Moreover, green certifications often require ongoing performance monitoring and improvement, ensuring a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility. These certifications not only benefit the environment but also contribute to cost savings through reduced energy and water usage, attracting environmentally conscious tenants and investors to your properties.

Green certifications will show your dedication and can be a nice marketing tool, but beyond that, they are in and of themselves tools. If you've found you continually hit LEED Silver, you can utilize that scorecard and see where the missing pieces may be for gold, and push to attain that.

La tendance des immeubles verts dans l'immobilier commercial est en plein essor, propulsée par une prise de conscience croissante de l'urgence climatique et des avantages économiques et sociaux de la durabilité. Ces batiments intègrent des technologies et des pratiques de construction respectueuses de l'environnement, comme la conception bioclimatique, l'utilisation de matériaux écologiques et d'énergies renouvelables, ainsi que la gestion efficace de l'eau et des déchets. Outre la réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre, les immeubles verts offrent des espaces de travail plus sains et confortables, améliorant ainsi la productivité des occupants tout en renfor?ant l'image de marque des entreprises locataires.

Biophilic design integrates natural elements and processes into the built environment to improve occupant well-being and connection with nature. This approach incorporates elements such as natural light, greenery, water features, and natural materials. By integrating biophilic design principles, commercial properties can enhance indoor air quality, reduce stress, and increase productivity among occupants. Additionally, biophilic design fosters sustainability by promoting energy efficiency and conservation.

This is how I perceive things, By incorporating natural elements into buildings, such as plants and water, biophilic design improves occupant well-being, productivity, and aesthetic appeal. Enhancing indoor air quality, lowering stress levels, and adhering to sustainable practices help to differentiate the property in the market and draw in tenants who are looking for places that prioritise health.

Biophilic design, a rising architectural ethos, seamlessly merges urban spaces with nature's tranquility. By incorporating elements like lush greenery, natural light, and organic textures, it fosters a harmonious environment that nurtures well-being and creativity. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes physical and mental health, reduces energy consumption, and fosters a deeper connection to our surroundings. In an era where sustainability and human-centric design are paramount, embracing biophilic principles elevates the quality of life for occupants while aligning with eco-conscious initiatives.

The circular economy promotes a sustainable approach to resource use by minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. In commercial real estate, this involves practices like reusing and repurposing materials, recycling construction waste, and implementing circular business models such as leasing and refurbishment. By embracing the circular economy, property managers can reduce environmental impact, lower operating costs, and create value through innovative resource management strategies.

Circular economy promotes sustainable practices in construction by reducing waste and maximizing resource use. Strategies like using recycled materials, prefabrication, and efficient waste management align with this concept. Incorporating renewable energy systems, designing for disassembly, and promoting sharing or leasing of spaces further enhance circularity. These approaches not only reduce environmental impact but also foster economic resilience and innovation within the construction sector.

You can't measure what you can't track. Data should drive all decisions, and having your entire building talking and collecting that data is paramount to measurement. Having your BAS on an island just doesn't work anymore - you need your HVAC to talk to your lights, your shades, and your access control, and you need to be able to use what those systems are saying to drive intelligent change.

Smart technology in commercial real estate involves the integration of digital solutions to optimize building operations, enhance tenant experience, and improve sustainability. Examples include IoT sensors for monitoring energy usage and indoor air quality, smart thermostats and lighting systems for energy efficiency, and building automation platforms for centralized control and management. Smart technology enables proactive maintenance, real-time data analytics, and personalized experiences for tenants, contributing to operational efficiency, cost savings, and a more sustainable built environment.

Smart technology, encompassing cloud computing, AI, and IoT, revolutionizes building management by optimizing data analysis, automating tasks, and improving performance. It enhances security, safety, and comfort while minimizing environmental impact. To delve deeper, discuss specific applications like energy-efficient HVAC systems, intelligent lighting, and occupancy sensors for resource optimization. Emphasize benefits such as cost savings, reduced carbon footprint, and streamlined operations. Mentioning real-world examples or case studies can add credibility and practical insights, making the comment more compelling and informative.

La domotique dans les immeubles à logements offre une gestion efficace de l'énergie, améliore la sécurité avec des systèmes de surveillance et d'accès intelligents, et optimise le confort des résidents grace à la personnalisation des paramètres environnementaux. Elle simplifie également la gestion des équipements et facilite la vie quotidienne des occupants.

Smart technology in commercial real estate includes augmented reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins, which are 3D replicas of a building space. These technologies can improve the tenant experience, energy efficiency, and security of commercial buildings

In identifying the key sustainability areas of a commercial property, it is crucial to engage major stakeholders including tenants. The engagement process involves materiality assessment of various areas of concern and assignment of their priorities by tenants. Apart from materiality assessment, it becomes increasingly significant to engage tenants in setting their own sustainability targets and implementing similar sustainability practices as the property owners in respect of energy conservation, waste reduction, enhancement of indoor air quality and well-being, etc.

L'engagement des locataires dans un immeuble favorise sa qualité en encourageant la conservation des ressources, la participation aux initiatives de durabilité et le maintien des normes de propreté et de sécurité. Leur implication active renforce également le sentiment de communauté, favorisant ainsi un environnement de travail ou de commerce plus agréable et harmonieux.

Look after your good tenants. Help them to do well. Reasonable rentals good marketing and location. They do well you and the whole centre benefits. Too often we push rentals too much simply because we see a tenant doing well. Good tenants are food for the environment and customers.

Smart tech in CRE offers immense benefits, but data ownership is paramount. Integrating diverse data streams, including energy usage and occupancy rates, is crucial. This holistic approach empowers Property Managers with comprehensive insights, enabling informed decisions and optimal performance. Moreover, it provides valuable insights for both their teams and the landlords they serve.