Franco Faraudo

From experiential destinations like Area15 to the innovative mixed-use transformation of Old Orchard Mall, and from Hudson Yards' cutting-edge sustainability to Mall of America's unmatched scale and technology, modern malls are redefining retail. These centers showcase creativity, resilience, and innovation, turning once-traditional spaces into vibrant hubs of activity and community engagement.

Schneider Electric, in partnership with JLL and C.Scale, has developed a new building decarbonization tool to help real estate owners estimate the costs and carbon impacts of energy retrofits. Currently, in Beta, the tool allows users to evaluate different upgrade options based on building vintages and local regulations, offering a clearer path to compliance with long-term carbon-zero targets. This calculator, along with similar tools emerging in the market, will be crucial as older buildings work toward decarbonization by 2050.

Vampire draw, the energy used by electronics when turned off, can account for up to 36% of energy waste in buildings. While HVAC and lighting reductions have been prioritized, smart plugs are now being used to automatically cut power to unnecessary devices. As energy costs rise and carbon mandates tighten, more buildings are expected to adopt these solutions to combat this hidden drain.

Landlords are turning to third-party software for rent reporting, driven by new laws and tenant reluctance. Companies like Bilt Rewards, Self Rent Reporting, and others offer solutions, while larger platforms like RealPage and Yardi are entering the market. Success will go to those that address tenant pushback creatively.

Water conservation is an often-overlooked part of decarbonization, but it’s becoming crucial as water scarcity and rising costs increase across the U.S. Innovative buildings like the Chorus apartments in San Francisco are leading the way by using advanced water reclamation systems to recycle water for various uses, reducing both costs and environmental impact. As cities impose stricter water regulations, buildings designed with sustainability in mind, including water conservation, will not only save resources but also attract eco-conscious tenants.

While technology has made offices more efficient, it often overlooks the human touch that workers crave. Personal interactions, especially with friendly staff, are increasingly important in creating a welcoming environment. As offices continue to adapt, the challenge is finding a balance between automation and maintaining the essential human element.

Innovative decarbonization projects across the U.S. are reducing carbon emissions through geothermal heat pumps, graywater recycling, energy-efficient materials, passive design, and retrofit upgrades without displacing tenants.

Batteries are key to a low-carbon energy system, but current lithium-ion technology has drawbacks. New options like sodium-ion and iron-air batteries offer cheaper, safer, and more sustainable alternatives. With growing investment, the real estate industry must choose energy storage wisely to avoid obsolescence.

Elevator outages, often highlighted in the media, are typically due to aging systems and part shortages rather than neglect. Modernizing elevators with new technology and targeted upgrades reduces downtime and keeps them running efficiently, helping building owners avoid major disruptions.

AI is increasingly being used in office strategy, but it's not yet ready to design layouts or make major decisions on its own. Instead, AI helps companies analyze data, model scenarios, and rank criteria like cost, engagement, and productivity. While AI can offer valuable insights, human decision-making is still essential. Companies that effectively use AI integrate it into a clear decision-making framework, and while confidence in AI’s outputs is growing, it remains a tool to support, not replace, human judgment.