Weekly Briefing

Congratulations to Our Realcomm | IBcon 2024 Digie Award Winners!

The Digie award winners were announced at Realcomm | IBcon 2024 on June 20 at the Tampa Convention Center. Since its inception in 1999, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding companies, real estate projects, technologies and the next generation of smart, connected, high-performance, intelligent building systems, that have gone above and beyond to positively impact and transform our industry using technology, automation and innovation.

Following are the 2024 Digie award winners representing the forefront of innovation, setting new benchmarks and inspiring future advancements in real estate technology and the built environment.

REALCOMM

Best Use of Automation

Commercial Real Estate: The RMR Group

• Cultivates a corporate culture that embraces data driven insights and fosters innovation through cutting-edge technologies
• Developed an integrated technology platform that provides an intuitive user experience while integrating spatial and predictive analytics
• Continuously demonstrate a commitment to innovation in CRE technology, with the objective of improving strategic decision making, driving operational efficiencies, and enhancing overall portfolio performance

Retail Real Estate:

Peterson Companies

• Leveraged MRI Software’s automation tools to break down data silos, enabling seamless integration and real-time access to data across their extensive real estate portfolio.
• Recognized as an early adopter, tester, and advocate for real estate data analytics, and using automation to make its real estate vision a reality.
• Cultivates a corporate culture that values data driven insights and embraces the adoption of innovative technologies for strategic decision-making.

Primaris REIT

• Continuously explores innovative uses for AI and other cutting-edge technologies, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for advancement and growth.
• Harnesses the power of Microsoft Copilot capabilities to enhance productivity, efficiency, and internal communication, driving organizational success.
• Committed to adopting new technologies and discovering their potential applications, while sharing successful implementations with industry peers.

Corporate Real Estate: Visa

• Utilizes generative AI to foster innovation, streamline operations, and improve service delivery within corporate environments.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to cutting-edge technology adoption, setting benchmarks for operational efficiency and strategic asset management.
• Developed a bespoke instance of ChatGPT for real-time, AI driven communication and problem solving within corporate services and real estate sectors.

Investment Management: L&B Realty Advisors

• Implemented Yardi Performance Manager to achieve real-time transparency in investment analysis by integrating configurable dashboards and definable metrics.
• Transitioned from spreadsheet calculations for return processing to a streamlined, efficient platform that significantly reduces processing time and enhances analytical capabilities.
• Enabled asset managers to conduct detailed performance evaluations at a granular level across properties or specific regions.

Multifamily / Residential: Bridge Investment Group

• Established foundational internal infrastructures to spearhead ongoing innovation and integration of AI technologies, ensuring that digital initiatives resonate with strategic business goals.
• Integrates AI driven analytics within their operational framework through the Bridge Data Program and Innovation Hub, enabling sophisticated data processing and insights generation.
• Committed to an aggressive digital transformation strategy, focusing on strengthening IT security, fostering collaboration, and aligning with core business priorities to drive significant advancements across the organization.

Best Use of AI

Commercial Real Estate:

Greystone

• Implemented Azure OpenAI and Amazon Textract to transform real estate processes, significantly reducing manual efforts in lease audits and data reconciliation by 85%, and improving accuracy and consistency of rent roll and due diligence data.
• The AI-Powered Lease Audit and Intelligent Data Reconciliation systems automate the extraction, comparison, and analysis of critical data from lease documents and various third party reports, streamlining operations and enhancing decision-making capabilities.
• Continuous innovation through Azure OpenAI for NLP tasks and integration with internal systems like the CTO Dashboard and Teams Bot, facilitating ongoing monitoring, feedback incorporation, and ensuring high data integrity and compliance across Greystone’s portfolio.

Phillips Edison & Company

• Recognized as a pioneer in developing custom AI solutions to enhance various aspects of business operations.
• Developed AI solutions that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, automation, and excellence in the commercial real estate sector.
• Automated several back office operations with AI powered solutions that have led to significant cost savings and have reduced manual intervention, errors, and delays in processing.

Best Tech Innovation

Commercial | Corporate Real Estate: Cherre Data Submission Portal

• Revolutionizes data management by implementing a seamless integration platform that allows users to submit and harmonize diverse data sets from multiple sources.
• Utilizes cutting edge technology to ensure data accuracy and consistency, featuring automated validation processes greatly reducing manual review times and enhancing data reliability.
• Incorporated AI driven features to expedite the data entry process, enabling faster, more accurate submissions and facilitating a smoother workflow for all users.

General Technology: Microsoft Copilot

• AI driven tool integrated across Microsoft's suite of applications, enhancing user productivity by automating routine tasks and generating content through contextual understanding and predictive technologies.
• Leverages deep learning to understand user intent significantly reducing the effort required for complex tasks while maintaining high standards of accuracy and relevance.
• Capabilities extend to real-time collaboration and decision-making support, enabling users to work more efficiently and make informed decisions faster.

Best AI Tech Innovation

Commercial Real Estate: CBRE Enterprise Data Platform

• Integrates AI to rapidly process and standardize data from over 300 sources, addressing unique real estate data challenges and improving data quality and access.
• Enables teams to enhance local data with advanced tools like Snowflake and SnapLogic, facilitating deeper insights and supporting strategic business functions.
• Underpins innovative tools like Market IQ and Vantage Analytics, which deliver comprehensive, data driven insights, driving cost efficiencies and enhancing service delivery across CBRE's operations.

Rising Star Award

Lewis Martin

• Plays a pivotal role in advancing the real estate and technology sectors by emphasizing the vital human elements of organizations, fostering a more integrated and holistic approach to industry progress.
• Demonstrates a keen ability to bridge diverse aspects of the field and underscore the importance of comprehensive industry engagement.
• Significantly contributes to the expansion and diversification of our talent pool, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation across the board.

Julie Devine Digital Impact Award

Susan Gerock

• Demonstrates exceptional vision and leadership, with an unwavering commitment to excellence and technological advancement.
• Distinctively marked her tenure by spearheading the pivotal transformation of Elme Communities from a diversified REIT into a multifamily focused portfolio, underscoring her visionary approach to embracing technology as a cornerstone of digital transformation.
• Advances industry standards through strategic technology integration, notably enhancing the resident experience and operational workflows.

Sunder Pappu

• Significantly shaped the technological landscape at The Inland Real Estate Group, driving largescale projects and spearheading the company's technology strategy to propel organizational growth and operational efficiency.
• Passionately advocates for industry progress, sharing his vision and experiences with the industry.
• Played a crucial role in founding the Realcomm CRE AI Advisory Group, advocating for industrywide collaboration and AI best practices.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tom Taddeo

• Passionately shares industry knowledge with peers, advocating the transformative power of technology for the built environment and fostering collaboration.
• Demonstrates passion and vision tackling technology projects and successfully navigates all aspects of digital transformation.
• Shows an extraordinary commitment to improving cybersecurity for the built environment, demonstrating a relentless pursuit in driving the conversation forward.

IBcon

Most Intelligent Building Projects

Office Building: 110 East Charlotte, NC

• Designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including technology ready features, ensuring advanced connectivity and a highly efficient workplace environment.
• Offers flexible, adaptive office environments enhanced by integrated smart building technologies that allow for customizable workspaces and automated building management systems.

• Incorporates energy efficient systems and materials, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a healthier, more sustainable workplace environment.

Office Portfolio: Kilroy Realty

• Sets industry standards with its integration of advanced IoT systems and AI driven analytics that dynamically optimize building operations and tenant experiences.
• Employs smart systems that not only reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions but also promote healthier indoor environments.
• Buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art security features and connectivity solutions that ensure high levels of safety and uninterrupted services.

Corporate Headquarters: Walmart Home Office

• Incorporates advanced smart technology systems, such as AI driven climate control, adaptive lighting systems, and interactive digital workspaces that optimize building operations and enhance employee wellbeing.
• Equipped with state-of-the-art communication tools and IoT devices that facilitate seamless interaction and integration across departments.
• Showcases groundbreaking sustainable design with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Digital District: Water Street Tampa

• Integrates comprehensive IoT systems and advanced data analytics across its infrastructure, optimizing district operations and enhancing resident experiences.
• Boasts an innovative marketing and leasing center that leverages interactive tools to provide immersive experiences for prospective tenants showcasing the district's technological advancements and cutting-edge sustainability features.
• Employs a robust digital connectivity framework that supports a wide range of services, from autonomous vehicle paths to highspeed wireless internet zones.

Retail: Woolworths Supermarkets

• Dramatically reduced energy consumption by 27% and carbon footprint by 18%, utilizing the Bueno Platform.
• Strategically deployed nearly 10,000 electric submeters and utilized data driven analytics to achieve exceptional operational uptime, enhancing preventive maintenance, and significantly reducing unnecessary service calls.
• Unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact not only optimizes operational costs but also contributes profoundly to Australia's environmental goals.

DC Powered Building: Mouser Electronics

• Integrated a state-of-the-art PoE lighting system in their warehouse, which not only improves energy efficiency but also provides robust, centralized control over the lighting infrastructure.
• New lighting architecture employs fault managed DC power distribution, enhancing system reliability and reducing energy consumption.
• The PoE system adds flexibility to the use of space by enabling easier reconfiguration of lighting setups as needed without extensive rewiring.

Multifamily / Residential: 303 Battery

• Incorporates state-of-the-art low voltage solutions that maximize efficiency while minimizing energy usage across its 112 units and communal spaces.
• Intelligent DC power system ensures robust power management that underpins the building’s low voltage requirements and sustainability objectives.
• Achieved seamless integration of access control, security, and environmental monitoring systems, enhancing both operational efficiency and tenant security on a scalable fiber optic and DC power network.

Best Use of AI

Intelligent Buildings: Google

• Utilizes AI to significantly reduce electrical and natural gas consumption in office buildings, while requiring minimal to no physical upgrades to existing HVAC systems.
• Employs a hybrid action Reinforcement Learning (RL) architecture, optimized through Tensorflow-accelerated simulations, to dynamically adapt building operations to real-time data on occupancy, weather conditions, and other environmental factors.
• Advancing AI initiative with live pilot testing at its Mountain View campus and planning to scale these energy saving measures from pilot to full production.

Best Tech Innovation

Hybrid Immersive Experience: Vū

• Excels in crafting immersive environments that engage and captivate audiences, utilizing cutting-edge visual and audio technologies to create unique, interactive experiences.
• Expertise in spatial design allows for the transformation of ordinary spaces into versatile, multifunctional areas that can be adapted for various uses, enhancing the utility and appeal of commercial and entertainment venues.
• Continually pushes the boundaries of creative design, integrating the latest digital innovations to ensure each space is not only flexible but also future ready.

DC Power: Luum.io

• Advances smart building technology by integrating Power over Ethernet (PoE) and XPOE lighting systems, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact for commercial buildings.
• Committed to sustainable building practices, leveraging fault managed power for enhanced energy management.
• Solutions are tailored for dynamic building management, offering scalable and adaptable infrastructure enhancements that support complex commercial real estate needs.

Wireless Technology: Trade Show Internet

• Provides comprehensive internet services and connectivity solutions ensuring event participants have seamless access to highspeed internet.
• Offer a range of services including onsite network design, deployment, and management, catering to both indoor and outdoor event settings, which are crucial for the success of modern, digital centric events.
• Emphasizes robust customer support and IT expertise, enabling customer to handle large volumes of users and data without compromising on performance or security.

Intelligent Buildings

Lynxspring E2E

• Revolutionizes operational technology (OT) data management by offering a comprehensive edge to cloud solution that collects, normalizes, and visualizes data through a single interface for improved decision-making across buildings and campuses.
• Enhances data interoperability and access by creating a common vocabulary and structure, enabling seamless integration with various systems and devices.
• Ensures secure data connectivity and a unified user experience, facilitating scalable and modular operational enhancements in diverse building environments.

Andorix

• Integrates smart building technologies that consolidate disparate systems into a unified management platform, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing overhead costs.
• Solutions are tailored for a diverse range of properties, optimizing energy usage and improving occupant comfort through customized, data driven approaches.
• Tech has led to significant reductions in energy consumption and operational costs, contributing to the creation of more sustainable and smarter buildings industrywide.

Best AI Tech Innovation

Intelligent Buildings: Distech Controls | Resense Move

• Features a sophisticated array of sensors, optimizing HVAC operations and energy use based on real-time occupancy data.
• Enhances indoor environmental quality by continuously monitoring and adjusting parameters such as light, noise, and air moisture, ensuring optimal conditions for occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
• Integrates seamlessly with existing building management systems, making it a versatile solution for new buildings and retrofits.

Rising Star Award

Aaron Altscher

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to innovation with a willingness to tackle complex challenges and an ability to consistently deliver solutions that push the boundaries.
• Exemplifies an exceptional commitment to improving real estate processes through data-driven insights, harnessing the power of information to drive decisions and optimize efficiency.
• Exudes unwavering passion and visionary leadership when undertaking technology projects, expertly navigating the intricate landscape of digital transformation.

Julie Devine Digital Impact Award

Gerry Hamilton

• Distinguished smart building leader, renowned for pioneering and advancing technologies in higher education environments.
• Steadfastly introduced building innovation at scale to one of the most well-known universities in the US, passionately sharing both successes and challenges to drive industry-wide dialogue.
• Strongly advocates for industry-wide robust data governance practices to acquire, curate, store, and consume data and ensure it is accurate and readily accessible to all stakeholders.

Ilene Goldfine

• Shows strong commitment and foresight, skillfully managing both technological innovations and change processes during digital transformations.
• Valued as an esteemed thought leader and technology-driven visionary, tirelessly committed to elevating industry best practices to new heights and advocating for allyship and mentorship as a catalyst for change.
• Exemplified tireless dedication to integrating smart building technology at Hines, with a special emphasis on customer experience.

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