AI Takes Center Stage in CRE
“Technology is a big piece of current amenitization: a fully integrated environment, cleaner air, seamless entry, updated systems, etc., are all tenant considerations rooted in tech. The enablement of technology is crucial to asset value retention… While no one piece of tech is a one-size-fits-all, upscaling and consolidating will further open up technology to CRE solution providers.”
Energy Action Day Panel Event
“Ms. Dana Schneider said, “We look at the whole asset. We look at what the capital plan is in that building, what kind of equipment’s there, how old it is, what shape is it in. It’s really that basic. We look at who the tenants are, and when their leases are rolling. And then we look at blue sky thinking – no limitation, what can we do to actually reduce emissions in this building by 80% through technology and tenant behavior?”
How IoT Can Deliver Efficiency, Value & Tenant Confidence
“The Internet of Things (IoT) allows objects such as soap dispensers, toilet flush valves and water faucets to send and receive information via the internet. The presentation made a strong case for taking advantage of proven IoT technology to generate cost-saving management efficiencies, while maintaining a germ-free environment for tenants and visitors alike.”
Igwe Harvey
Property Manager
“I’ve learned that real estate is a complex business that can be categorized into three phases – acquisition, hold and disposition. Property management takes place during the hold phase, and is when a property manager can create value for the building”
Introduction to NYC Accelerator – First Steps to Compliance & Decarbonization
“The future is indeed upon the commercial real estate industry, and the timeline for climate law compliance has advanced beyond the “wait and see” stage to the enforcement of local greenhouse gas emission laws and the imposition of severe fines for owners who do not comply with them.”
Matt Duthie
SVP, Property Management
“We need to learn every day. From seminars, to continued education, to reading the daily news – knowledge is the best investment you can make in yourself.”
The Key Ingredient for Post-Pandemic Real Estate Investments
“The Boston economy is emerging from the COVID-19 crisis stronger and more secure than at any point in recent history. The pandemic was a devastating surprise attack that affected all of us. It also delivered an unprecedented and valuable stress test to Boston’s commercial real estate asset class. Today, the results of that test – expressed in classic real estate fundamentals – show that the Boston region is arguably one of the nation’s Top 3 markets for investors. Here is a major reason why: Boston has a tremendous amount of immovable assets that are unique to the region.”
Venice Pizza Reopens with New Offerings & Experiences
“A multitude of famous Bostonians grew up calling the restaurant their second home. In a 2014 Boston Globe article about a day in the life of Mayor Martin Walsh, he described Venice Pizza as having, “The best Hawaiian pizza in town.” In a 2018 Q&A Boston Magazine article with the Wahlberg Brothers, they were asked their favorite place to eat or drink in Dorchester. Mark Wahlberg answered, ‘Venice Pizza’.”
Diane Fields
VP, Property Management Empire State Building
“Diversity and inclusion are essential within the workplace and industry. We need people from different genders, backgrounds, cultures, and races to provide us with the balance of voices and diversity of thought that we need.”
Tech is Transforming the Commercial Real Estate Industry and the Policies and Regulations Governing It
“The commercial real estate industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation, propelled by the rapid advancement of technology. From smart building to data analytics, innovative solutions are coming along faster than ever and are revolutionizing the way we buy, sell and manage commercial properties.”
Ronald S. Zeccardi
SVP, Project Management
“Regardless of where you are in the trajectory of your career, my advice is the same for all. Try to learn something new every day; Never be afraid to ask a question; Take advantage of the experience and knowledge from building engineers and design professionals, as they are all willing to help you grow.”
Understanding IAQ: What You Need To Know And Why You Should Care
“The three most important metrics involving IAQ are levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), which measure how effectively occupied space is ventilated; particulate matter, or particulates, which measure the effectiveness of HVAC filtration; and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which measure contaminants that result from new furniture, new carpet, and certain paints and cleaning products.”
Peter M. Gorry
Director, Property Operations & Engineering
Rockefeller Center
“Communication and education are the two primary priorities for successful tenant engagement. It’s essential to provide tenants with updates on the latest technologies available in the marketplace, as well as share new R&M strategies; from sanitization of air handling equipment to filter technology.”
Decarbonization Through Electrification
“Decarbonization through electrification is characterized as a “megatrend,” echoing the Natural Resources Defense Council’s prediction that by 2050, all energy produced in the United States will be from sustainable sources. At its center will be a power grid with two-way transmission and distribution that will buy excess energy produced on-site by its users.”
Sharon Hart
Account Director, Global Occupier Services
“It is critical to understand the buildings you manage, along with the systems that need to be maintained and operated. The BOMI courses provide a wealth of information and establishes a new level of appreciation for the people who work as Engineers and Mechanics, as well as our valued vendors.”
The Do’s and Don’ts of Updating Fire Systems in Older Buildings
“When an owner is doing a floor alteration and for example will add strobes, detectors and other hardware that the current fire system cannot handle, the fire system for that floor will have to be replaced, per the 2014 code. The Bulletin allows owners to treat a building on a floor by floor basis, versus requiring owners to replace an entire building system all at once. The floor by floor approach allows building owners to control the costs of a full building upgrade.”
Bridget Cunningham
VP Operations, New York Division
“At Vornado, the focus has always been to polish the diamond in the rough to change the perception of THE PENN DISTRICT. We knew that these assets have excellent bones, which fueled our vision that there is significantly more value in these mistakenly perceived sleepy buildings… We also take the time and respect to make intentional design decisions when integrating modern solutions into the unique aesthetic of each building and its irreplaceable historic architecture.”
Living With Covid
“Dr. Birx, who is one of the world’s foremost immunologists, explained that the United States is fortunate to have both a significant number of brilliant minds and innovative technology. One of the major points in her presentation is that America, moving forward, must develop a mindset that leverages our unique medical talent, the private sector and existing technology. “
Patrick J. Dolan
Property Manager, One World Trade Center
“My message to folks joining the workforce is to get involved. Ask a lot of questions. Be curious. Most importantly, find a mentor. Do this via an official mentorship program, or do it unofficially. Find someone that is phenomenal at what they do, and someone that you respect. Ask them for advice and establish a relationship.”
How to Build an Action-Based ESG Program
“Any real estate industry action-based program would include, renewable energy generation, energy-intensive metrics, measurement of so-called “embodied carbon,” and an initiative to reduce peak energy demand which, in turn, would reduce emissions.”
Andrew L. Hardy
Senior Executive Head of Operations, JEMB Realty
“Opening an office building, one of the first in Brooklyn since 2003 and amid the Pandemic, was an arduous task. However, the public-private-partnerships that JEMB REALTY established and the track record they have attained in the marketplace allowed for the success through construction to open… We created a Clean Building Initiative that incorporates technology such as UV, bipolar, air monitoring applications, increased air filtration, enhanced cleaning programs, air and surface testing, as well as a comprehensive communication campaign informing and engaging our tenants in the process.”
BEI Construction Tops Out Energy Storage Sites For SCE RUOES Portfolio – One of the Largest Energy Storage Developments in California
“The new substations will maximize reliability of the grid by charging during periods of excess generation and discharge during periods of need. Collectively and when complete, the three-site project will add a total of 537.5 MW/ 21.5 MWh to the grid, enough stored energy to power roughly 537,500 homes in Southern California for four hours… The development of these three locations is in part a result of Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation to accelerate the rapid deployment of new clean energy and storage projects, coupled with the state law that requires all electricity to be generated 100% by renewable energy by 2045.”
Chris Masotto, RPA,
Principal and Head of Property Management
“As an investment manager, ESG initiatives and goals at each property investment is a top priority. Further, knowing that buildings represent almost 40% of global GHG emissions, we embrace our responsibility at the property level to operate more sustainable buildings, which will then have a direct positive impact on the tenants we serve, their employees, the local communities where our properties are located, all the way up to a global impact.”
Fire Life Safety Preparedness
“The job of Fire Life Safety Director has become all encompassing, including natural disasters, chemical disasters, biological disasters, medical emergencies, active shooters, explosions, and civil unrest. As Mr. Russell Touhey framed it, “People that work in the actual building are the true first responders and need to be ready at all times.” Mr. Joe Razza added, “The new normal requires a need to have multiple Fire Life Safety Directors for each asset to ensure there is always a person on-site to do the job.”
Victor Spivak
Senior Real Estate Manager
“Being part of an international conglomerate like Global Holdings Management Group has been a truly enriching experience. Working alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and locations allows all of us to exchange valuable knowledge, cultural perspectives, innovative ideas and best practices. We try our best to improve our respective lines of business by continually innovating and sharing ideas between different asset classes.”
Unify Your Technology Ecosystem & Reimagine Your Approach to Safety
“Smart two-way radios with integrated digital video, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications outperform the traditional model for achieving safety goals. The presenters described how today’s advanced technologies, deployed within an integrated “ecosystem,” can combine instant, real-time voice, video, and on-file data to counteract potentially catastrophic events. Corrective measures happen instantaneously.”
Dom Diaz, AIA,
President
“As owners look at all areas of buildings for their tenants to amenities, rooftops have been a new attraction. Areas on roofs are being created to both work and congregate. Owners are developing rooftop gardens, bars, conference rooms, and even recreational opportunities such as tennis courts. When implementing these new design opportunities, it is important to look at drainage and appropriate camouflage for mechanical areas. When doing this work, it is a great opportunity to reseal and waterproof the roof.”
Smarter Buildings For Seamless Security & A Differentiated Tenant Experience
“End-users, are beginning to ‘engage with security systems in a differentiated way’ that now allows them to use their mobile devices in ways that are integrated with a building owner’s portfolio. For example, the ability to reserve the gym, or a conference room in a different building; or even ordering coffee from a lobby kiosk, is now being integrated into access control systems and offered as an amenity to office renters.”
Brian Horan
Vice President Operation – Midtown Portfolio
“The number one challenge in my career must be 9/11. I was the assistant property manager at 1 Liberty Plaza on that fateful morning. I was part of a group that stayed and evacuated the building. I saw things that can’t be unseen and even tried giving CPR to somebody. Believe it or not, I was back at the building on September 12th, trying to assist in getting things back up and running. I literally worked 21-days in a row, including weekends… 1 Liberty Plaza was the first building to reopen after 9/11 inside of Ground Zero. I am extremely proud of that.”
Everything You Need To Know About Your Vertical Transportation System
“Traditional PVT inspections, by third party inspectors on behalf of DOB, are expected to continue through the end of 2021. Ownership will then be required to retain a licensed independent inspector on their own to perform annual periodic inspections in lieu of the previous PVT inspections.”
Dermot Shea
President
“The NYPD is an organization that is very rich in data and well-organized. I learned to listen to the data and use data to make the best decisions. That statement translates across many industries. Today, I evaluate and gauge P&Ls, KPI, ROI, elevator wait time, occupation, utilization, equipment lifespan, maintenance, waste management, insurance claims, etc. It’s all about data and what you do with it. Property management at its best is operating a building without compromising service. At the end of the day, and regardless of the job or title, the work has to get done.”
Identifying Fire Protection Equipment in Your Building
“Why do sprinklers fail? In 76% of the cases of sprinkler failure, it is because a building’s fire protection system was out of service, or simply turned off. In 59% of those cases, the system was turned off, and in 17% of those cases, there was a “manual intervention” during the event that caused the sprinklers to fail.”
Ed Fiallo
Vice President, Property Management
“The three most important metrics involving IAQ are levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), which measure how effectively occupied space is ventilated; particulate matter, or particulates, which measure the effectiveness of HVAC filtration; and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which measure contaminants that result from new furniture, new carpet, and certain paints and cleaning products.”
Understanding IAQ: What You Need To Know And Why You Should Care
“Why do sprinklers fail? In 76% of the cases of sprinkler failure, it is because a building’s fire protection system was out of service, or simply turned off. In 59% of those cases, the system was turned off, and in 17% of those cases, there was a “manual intervention” during the event that caused the sprinklers to fail.”
New York City Parking Garage Inspections – Local Law 126
“For new construction, a detailed inspection report must be filed by a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI) prior to the granting of a Certificate of Occupancy. Existing structures that qualify under State rules must be inspected every three years. Structures that qualify under City LL 126 do not have to file for State inspections, and are due for formal inspection reports every six years, broken into two-year due dates depending on the location of the property within New York City.”
Advisors Living Expands Residential Brokerage Throughout Massachusetts
“Merit McIntyre is a Harvard grad and was president of Coldwell Banker New England, where he managed over 4,000 Agents and 90 Offices. Mr. McIntyre left the number one residential real estate brokerage in the United States and has joined the number one independent real estate brokerage in Massachusetts.”
Present Pest Control Solutions to Protect CRE Assets
“Owners must realize the extent of the pest problem. Over a recent four-year period, the City has logged a 55% increase in rat complaints. “There are more people, more packaging, more restaurant deliveries, and more outdoor dining,” Mr. Glenn Waldorf reported… Owners should use physical barriers against pests. For example, sealing cracks and crevices, and keeping refuse containers pest-proof, are as important as reacting with pesticides and chemicals.”
“State of the Market” Forum
“The presenters offered hard and anecdotal evidence that workers are returning to the office. In addition, despite increased interest rates, capex spending and deal closings are trending upward for both sales and leasing across all building classes. Both panelists credited New York’s global business allure as an overarching influence on the resilience and robustness of its commercial real estate industry.”
CPE and the Key to Staying Current in CRE
“Continued education is a requisite in the CRE industry, and we are dedicated to improving the skills of all professionals. With a focus on bettering individual careers, respective companies, and the collective industry, BOMA New York partnered with the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) for the past three decades. Together with BOMI, the leading provider of CRE workforce development, BOMA NY offers our members an exceptional continued education curriculum… BOMA International and BOMI officially joined forces to enhance the quality of their educational offerings and make individual class content even more responsive to marketplace needs.”
Distributed Antenna Systems & Staying Connected
“Cellular coverage within buildings arguably has become as important as other traditional utility services, earning the moniker ‘the fourth utility.’ Active DAS, on the other hand, is designed, for large, high-rise buildings. The carrier provides a fiber circuit with the signal source directly into a head-end equipment room within the building to accommodate the need for capacity in larger buildings.”
Civic Betterment Award to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
“Jack Oehm, Tunnel to Towers board member and retired FDNY Battalion Commander, accepted the Civic Betterment Award and said, “We are honored to receive this award in recognition of our work supporting the heroes who keep us safe at home and abroad. Everyday these men and women are willing to give up their lives to save ours. When tragedy strikes and they do not come home, Tunnel to Towers will be there to take care of the families they leave behind.”
Partnering Effectively with Your Union Staff
“The presentation offered present-day examples of the invaluable experience that the RAB has gained over more than 80 years. Both Mr. Rothschild and Mr. Schwartz explained how the RAB can help property owners to have productive relationships with two of the most powerful labor unions in the city.”