Ron Becker, SVP of operations and sustainability at Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN), participated in a video interview at Nareit’s REITworks: 2023 Conference in Las Vegas on June 28-29.
Becker talked about the importance of innovation within sustainability efforts, noting that the Securities and Exchange Commission is currently driving a lot of change for REITs.
“You’ve also got Gen Z and the millennials that are now taking over the workforce, and they really want to see these programs in place,” he said, adding that Brandywine has been working on its neighborhood engagement efforts.
Becker called today’s technological and monitoring advancements “amazing,” noting that Brandywine has always used HVAC monitoring systems in its buildings to examine efficiencies and EnergyStar to help benchmark its utility data.
“We’re looking to hopefully take it to the next level as these sensors continue on and get a little bit more granular in the data so that we can actually operate our buildings more efficiently,” he said. “Everything is baked in data, and that data can really lead you to some very positive gains in your operational efficiency and control.”
Turning to Brandywine’s new 3151 Market Street property in Philadelphia, which is likely to open in summer 2024, Becker said it will include dynamic glass and daylighting, which allows natural light throughout the day and eliminates the need for shades, and will also harvest rainwater for use in the lavatories.