Some three fifths (60%) of commercial real estate professionals rank energy efficiency, and the associated reduction in expenses, as their top sustainability priority for 2026, a new report by Building Engines, a JLL company, has found.
The report, The State of Property Management Technology 2026, found that most real estate teams are actively tracking energy and water usage.
However, data gaps are also evident, with close to half of respondents not measuring refrigerant tracking at all, which presents both regulatory and operational risks, the report notes.
The role of AI
Other findings from the report indicate an increase in awareness about the role of AI in property management, with more than 45% of respondents stating that they have a ‘good understanding’ of the technology. However, adoption lags behind intent, with just 28% of property teams having implemented AI within their operations.
In addition, tenant experience remains another challenge – while around two fifths (41%) of respondents stated tenant satisfaction had improved over the past year, tenant comfort issues account for around two thirds of service requests. Over half of respondents said that they spend at least five hours a week handling tenant communications.
Elsewhere, managers in retail and industrial sectors were less confident that current software tools meet their needs, with less than half satisfied with the solutions on offer in areas such as preventive maintenance, capital project management, and tenant experience.
‘A practical tool’
“Property teams are interested in AI and technology, but many are still unsure how to apply it in ways that actually make their jobs easier,” commented Aliza Carpio, director of product management, JLL. “The opportunity in 2026 is to move AI from a concept to a practical tool that solves real, day-to-day challenges.
“Across nearly a decade of our annual research, one theme remains consistent: property management continues to grow more complex, but teams that pair proven operational fundamentals with smart, focused technology investments are best positioned to succeed.”
The report was undertaken alongside BOMA International and surveyed more than 350 commercial real estate professionals around the world. Read more here.
