CRE INNOVATIONS

By Manish Sharma

As commercial real estate continues to navigate pandemic conditions , a recent study reveals changing priorities in building management .

recent comprehensive study commissioned by Honeywell Building Technologies has confirmed that commercial real estate operators in the United States , China , Germany , and Saudi Arabia are facing new challenges , adjusting their priorities , and investing in new opportunities . The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired 71 percent of those surveyed to completely rethink commercial building management practices as shutdowns and social distancing protocols increased concerns for occupant safety and well-being .

Investments in healthy buildings , indoor air quality ( IAQ ) technologies , and remote building management stood out as top priorities of those surveyed . In fact , out of eight options to choose from , improved IAQ ( 50 percent ) was cited as one of the most important factors for enhancing value for stakeholders .

While nine in 10 of the surveyed facility managers said they were hesitant to make decisions about costly and complex future investments , 94 percent consider healthier buildings a top priority — a trend that will remain place as CRE enters 2022 . Over the next 12 to 18 months , 33 percent of respondents expect to invest in IAQ solutions , 33 percent in energy efficiencies , and 31 percent in remote building management capabilities .

This study also revealed that while facility managers around the globe were all compelled to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 , the current focus of their efforts to create healthier and safer buildings varies . In China , two out of three surveyed facility managers are more willing to invest in smarter , healthier , and safer solutions than they were prior to the pandemic . In addition , four

More Willing to Invest Now vs . Before COVID-19

80 %

Total U . S . China Germany Saudi Arabia