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10 biggest proptech stories of 2021
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 cut 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
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