In a recent panel discussion titled “Embracing Innovation and Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate,” industry leaders came together at McGough’s Raleigh office to share their views on the evolving role of advanced technologies and sustainable practices in construction and development.
Sustainability and Asset Reuse: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
The panel featured perspectives from Billie Redmond from Trademark Properties, Amy Thompson from McGough, and Tim Winstead from HDR. A key topic was the challenge and value of reusing existing materials and assets in construction. While the sustainability benefits of asset reuse are undeniable, the panelists acknowledged the complexity of these projects. From outdated building codes to the structural limitations of older buildings, asset reuse is often a balancing act.
Yet, success stories are emerging. Amy Thompson shared how McGough has been able to extend the lifecycle of existing structures by employing creative design solutions and partnering with experts. Tim Winstead highlighted how industries like healthcare and manufacturing have found ways to efficiently reuse facilities and equipment, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining operational standards.
How Robotics and Automation are Transforming the Industry
Chris Callura emphasized the role that technology—particularly robotics—is playing in addressing these challenges. Robotics is already making an impact in the construction sector by enhancing efficiency and safety. Demolition robots, for example, can precisely remove materials, preserving them for future reuse while reducing the risk to human workers.
Amy Thompson echoed these thoughts, noting that collaborative robots, or “cobots,” are enabling teams to work smarter and more safely. Cobots assist with repetitive tasks, such as logistics support or demolition, freeing up human workers to focus on complex problem-solving and skilled roles. This shift is helping to mitigate labor shortages and make the industry more appealing to a new generation of tech-savvy professionals.
Breaking Down Barriers to Technology Adoption
While the benefits of technology are clear, panelists acknowledged that adoption isn’t always straightforward. Privacy concerns, regulatory challenges, and slow acceptance by insurance and lending sectors can hinder the deployment of new technologies. However, as Chris noted, companies like Chang Robotics are working to demonstrate the tangible benefits of these innovations to the industry.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Real Estate?
The panel concluded by looking to the future. Innovations like voice recognition integrated with AI and mobile cobots that can navigate dynamic environments are just a few of the advancements on the horizon. These technologies have the potential to reshape how real estate is developed and managed, enabling more sustainable and efficient outcomes.
As the panelists highlighted, overcoming the industry’s challenges requires collaboration and an openness to change. Chang Robotics, along with its partners, is committed to being at the forefront of this transformation, finding new ways to integrate technology and sustainability in the commercial real estate sector.
For more insights from the panel discussion, check out the full article from McGough here.
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