Navigating the Future of Energy Efficiency across Commercial Real Estate

In this video discussion, Andrew Knight interviews Katie Whipp and Annie Marston from REsustain and explores the role of data and technology in enhancing energy efficiency across commercial real estate. They explore the current state of energy efficiency efforts, highlighting the paradox of perceived progress versus actual implementation challenges, and emphasise the need for collaboration among stakeholders. Both Annie and Katie address the importance of understanding building operations and optimizing existing technologies before implementing new solutions. Annie shares insights on the significance of energy management systems, digital twins, and the need for transparency in data, while Katie emphasizes a shift towards genuine long-term net-zero strategies rather than merely addressing short-term ROI concerns. In this video, the following topics are covered:

• Katie's and Annie's professional backstories in real estate technology and sustainability.
• Discussion of energy efficiency in commercial real estate and market fatigue regarding progress.
• The "comfortable paradox" of perceived advancements versus actual inefficiencies in real estate.
• Analysis of "low-hanging fruit" versus "high impact" solutions for energy efficiency.
• The role of various stakeholders (owners, managers, occupiers) in driving energy efficiency.
• Importance of ongoing operational performance of buildings post-retrofit.
• Challenges of short-term thinking versus long-term investment in building infrastructure.
• The necessity of data collection and transparency for effective energy management.
• The need for collaboration and seeking help within the industry for innovation and problem-solving.
• Future technologies, such as digital twins, that can aid in understanding and optimizing building performance.

More information regarding the Tech Partner Programme and our partner REsustain can be found at www.rics.org/techpartner.