Illuminations series: AI's hidden real estate advantages

While many boardroom agendas focus on using AI to transform core business functions, forward-thinking organizations are taking advantage of an opportunity often overlooked: their real estate and facilities management data.

JLL’s research on the future of AI reveals that 90% of companies plan to integrate AI to support human experts in commercial real estate (CRE) over the next five years. However, many organizations lack a comprehensive strategy, risking missed opportunities to maximize AI’s business impact.

Our advice: Don’t get caught off guard. Instead, tap into this potential to fuel growth now.

Your workspaces and buildings are alive with a heartbeat fueled by data—from badge swipes and footsteps to electricity, plumbing, air conditioning and ventilation.

Modern building management systems uncover millions of data points, but without analysis, this treasure remains untapped. AI turns this data into transformative insights that can generate quick-turn financial benefits.
 

Here’s how we’re using AI to help solve your most pressing business challenges:

Platforms like HANK use machine learning, energy modeling, and outside data to make real-time adjustments to HVAC equipment, cutting energy costs by up to 40% while advancing ESG goals. Meanwhile, one global financial institution analyzed occupancy data across its office portfolio to reveal real-world demand and predict future space needs, saving more than $120 million by restructuring leases and rightsizing its footprint.

JLL’s latest Future of Work survey shows that while hybrid work remains dominant, there’s growing momentum for increased time in the office. In fact, 44% of organizations want their people back in the office five days a week.

Why is that important? Because your real estate, talent and sustainability strategies are all interconnected. The moves you make across the buildings and spaces you lease and own will resonate for years to come. No pressure.
 

Here’s how AI can maximize the business impact of your offices and other real estate:

JLL’s Global Future of Work survey found that 65% of respondents expect their overall CRE budget to increase between now and 2030. AI ensures these investments deliver maximum value.

The integration of AI and real estate offers a powerful opportunity to align operational wins with ambitious growth goals. Success starts with your data—how it’s captured, governed, and modeled to unlock its hidden value.

Partnering with experts in AI and real estate is key, as is strong C-suite leadership. JLL’s Global Real Estate Technology Survey shows companies are three times more likely to succeed with CRE tech when leaders actively engage, rather than passively review results.

Senior-level support drives focus, ensures accountability, and harnesses investments in tools that deliver exponential benefits across the business, including for your greatest asset: your people.

“Leaders need to remember that the future workplace is not just about technology; it’s about creating trust-centric environments where AI augments human potential,” says JLL’s Ram Srinivasan.

“This requires a holistic approach that considers how technology, space design, and organizational culture come together to help great companies do great things.”

Your buildings and spaces can provide real business solutions and immediate financial rewards. With so many complementary factors converging in the worlds of work, technology, and sustainability, leading organizations are ready to make the most of this moment.

Are you?
 

The time to act is now.

Illuminations, a new C-suite thought leadership series from JLL, shines a light on the innovative ways that buildings and the spaces around us can help solve our biggest business challenges.

Explore our AI for CRE page.