Real Estate, Infrastructure and Construction

COVID-19, climate change and increased social values influence customer behavior and expectations, impacting their real estate needs. Moreover, the energy crisis has put a bigger focus on energy efficient buildings, as buildings are currently responsible for more than 50% of the global electricity consumption while generating 40% of global CO2 emissions. This will place the focus more on new customer engagement and service models and technology-enabled buildings.

With digitalization at the heart of this period of rapid change, the sector must consider key areas such as data value extraction and data management, data security and cyber threats, increased traction of quantitative investment strategies and digital labor to shape the digital and sustainable real estate & workplace transformation. Data that’s being captured from new technologies, for instance within the Internet of Things (IoT), is allowing granular level observation, improving decision making especially in real estate portfolios.

Shifting demands of customers and stakeholders have forced the sector to consider issues such as social values and responsible investing. Re-examining business models to include circular economy practices should also be considered. The race to net zero will force the real estate industry to have carbon neutral portfolios by thinking of green and less energy consuming buildings, green mobility location strategies, community projects and disposal/retrofitting of non-sustainable assets. 

On another note, digital solutions for the connected workplace, leveraging AI and data analytics will guide strategic discussions with business leaders. Furthermore, developing new workplace strategies, shaping the hybrid way of working and improving customer experience will contribute to attracting and retaining talent.