Developments looked more seriously at incorporating electric flying vehicles this year, as Paris led the way in Europe
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Karl Tomusk
What news and trends dominated real estate tech in 2021? PlaceTech takes a look back at our 10 most read stories in 2021.
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Sustainability was central to five of the 10 stories, while three featured questions about the future of offices. Alongside these, there was a pair of interviews with industry insiders exploring the adoption and evolution of tech across real estate.
10. NYC landlords warned to cut emissions emissions or face $10bn in fines
In short | Landlords in New York face $10.7bn of penalties per year – equal to $8.54 per sq ft – if they do not emissions ahead of regulations that come into force in 2024
Why it matters | Sustainability has been a hot topic this year, and one reason is the increase in regulations around carbon emissions, which could have serious effects for landlords who fail to make changes
9. essensys raises $30m for expansion
In short | Flexible office software provider essensys raised £30m to fund its expansion in North America, the UK, continental Europe and Asia Pacific
Why it matters | The company sees opportunities in the flexible office market that have been triggered by pandemic-driven demand for hybrid work
8. What WeWork’s $2bn loss means for flexible offices
In short | WeWork reported a $2.1bn loss in the first quarter of 2021 after a year of falling memberships and a continued attempt to turn the business around
Why it matters | As one of the most recognisable names in flexible offices, how WeWork performs influences how the sector is perceived. The article looks into changes the company has made under new leadership – though it was published before WeWork went public in October
7. Big Interview: Ivanhoe Cambridge
In short | The Canadian institution, with C$60.4bn in real estate assets, speaks to PlaceTech about its approach to innovation
Why it matters | The interview reveals how a global investor thinks about proptech and why the industry is taking a patient approach to tech adoption
6. CBRE grapples with emissions data headache
In short | Despite having a net zero strategy, CBRE’s reported emissions rose significantly in 2020 – without necessarily emitting more carbon
Why it matters | “Rather than imply a huge increase in actual emissions, those numbers reveal the challenge of collecting data consistently in global property portfolios and translating that to practical targets. This is a challenge others in the industry will also face.”
5. Big Interview: Matterport
In short | PlaceTech interviewed the digital twin business after it went public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) about its plans to digitise the entire world
Why it matters | Matterport has been one of the most successful real estate SPAC listings this year, and the interview delves into the company’s ambitions after raising plenty of new capital
4. L&G poaches sustainability heavyweight
In short | Legal & General Capital appointed the UK Green Building Council’s John Alker as its head of sustainability
Why it matters | The appointment highlights the importance financial institutions place on having someone to lead their sustainability strategies
3. Emerging real estate strategies post-pandemic
In short | PlaceTech’s flexible workspace event in May pulled together a panel of experts to explore the state of the market and what occupiers demand from post-pandemic offices
Why it matters | The office market is in a state of flux and landlords are still trying to figure out what the long-term implications of the pandemic will be
2. Paris tests flying taxi tech ahead of 2024 Olympics
In short | The French capital is developing Europe’s first ‘vertiport’ for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, such as air taxis
Why it matters | New sustainable travel infrastructure is becoming a priority for cities around the world, and flying electric vehicles might not be far from becoming a reality
1. 7 of the greenest buildings in the world
In short | PlaceTech takes a look at an eclectic mix of buildings with exceptional LEED green building ratings
Why it matters | Some of the greenest buildings in the world are ones you might not expect, and each one can potentially teach the industry something new about its approach to sustainability
Go to Publisher: PlaceTech
Author: Karl Tomusk
