Building Systems
Hazards switching out in the energy transition
The energy transition comes with a risk management learning curve as one potentially hazardous mainstay gives way to another.
Envisioned AI ecosystem has CRE components
Commercial real estate could be both a builder and a beneficiary of the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem envisioned in the Canadian government’s national AI strategy.
Standby generators tapped for relaxed oversight
More leniency could come with a package of proposed new rules for activities that currently oblige accountable parties to obtain environmental permissions from the Ontario government.
AI literacy gaining prominence in CRE skill set
AI led the list of BOMA Canada's annual roundup of issues that gripped and galvanized the commercial real estate industry over the past year and are expected to hold sway into the future.
Fresh resource for indoor air quality
New guidance from Health Canada presents a compilation of best practices for assessing and maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) in office buildings.
New refrigerant restrictions set for 2025
Regulators in Canada and the United States are out of sync in banning the R-410A refrigerant that’s currently a mainstay of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump systems.
Existing buildings sector limbering up with AI
Artificial intelligence is proving useful for teaching old dogs new tricks in the existing buildings sector, finding energy savings and emissions reductions in advance of comprehensive retrofits.
Sustainable proptech gaining momentum
An expanding roster of tech companies aligned with the sustainable and smart buildings market reflects growing demand from end-users and draws support from increasingly enthusiastic investors.
Clinically fit space on the leasing agenda
A small but noteworthy cohort of tenants will be leasing specialized space as the Ontario government moves toward granting licences for new independently operated surgical and diagnostic clinics.
Fastidious work lies ahead of AI advancement
Early adopters and enthusiasts in the commercial real estate industry cite AI's possibilities for portfolio management, risk management, valuation and assessing investment performance.
Multiple failings uncovered in fatal fire probe
Beyond the UK, the report offers lessons for onlookers everywhere about slipshod diligence, inappropriately trained safety administrators and the possible risks of commercial pressures in certification processes.
New water use initiatives afloat in summer 2024
New water use initiatives from the Canadian government and the Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate (OSCRE) have been unveiled for public input over the course of summer 2024.
Energy storage prompts a battery of precautions
In step with the projected surge in energy storage installations, fire safety advisors are actively working to help clean tech adopters understand and mitigate the risks.
CRE fosters all-in approach to decarbonization
Daunting net zero targets in the buildings sector are spurring an all-in approach to decarbonization that assigns roles to finance, engineering, management and operational teams.
Building electrification projects impart lessons
The business case for electrification works best when retrofits are synced with the end-of-life of existing mechanical equipment and/or asset repositioning plans
Generative AI poised to realign CRE status quo
Emerging generative AI applications could realign the status quo within commercial real estate’s property administration, brokerage and investment management services.
Rooftop solar photovoltaics spark safety advice
Rooftop solar PV installations pack a potentially lethal electrical charge, necessitating vigilant monitoring and maintenance of the many system components.



















