How CRE Teams Are Cutting Energy, Water, and Costs

Sustainability is not just a future goal—it’s a present-day operational priority for commercial real estate.

At our recent event, “How to Reduce Energy, Water, and Operating Costs,” BOMA/GLA members heard directly from industry experts on how to lower expenses, improve building performance, and stay ahead of growing regulatory expectations.

What You Need to Know

Our Sustainability Committee hosted a solutions-focused session that brought together property managers, engineers, and sustainability professionals to discuss real-world strategies that are working in buildings today.

The conversation centered on how teams can:

• Reduce energy consumption through smarter building operations and system optimization.
• Cut water usage without impacting tenant comfort or performance.
• Make more strategic procurement decisions that deliver long-term value.
• Align day-to-day operations with evolving environmental standards and compliance requirements.

Speakers shared hands-on insights drawn from their experience in the field, emphasizing that sustainability efforts don’t need to be complex or costly to be effective—they just need to be intentional and operationally integrated.

A key theme throughout the discussion was that sustainability is increasingly tied to overall building performance.

From rising utility costs to new regulations and tenant expectations, property teams are being asked to do more—and do it more efficiently.

We’d like to thank our speakers for leading such a valuable conversation:

Chikezie Nzewi, EMCOR Services
Andy Rhoades, Metro Services Group
Maychelle Yee, LADWP
Dennis Thurman, Robertson Properties
Sara Hickman, Leading Edge

We also extend our appreciation to Sara Torres and the team at CBRE at Century Plaza Towers for hosting the event.

How It Impacts You

Energy and water costs are rising, and regulatory pressure is only increasing.

The takeaway from this session is clear: small, practical changes in how buildings are operated can lead to meaningful cost savings and improved asset performance.

For property managers and building teams, this means focusing on what’s within your control—optimizing systems, improving communication across teams, and taking a more proactive approach to sustainability.

These aren’t just environmental decisions—they’re business decisions that directly impact your bottom line and your building’s competitiveness.

As expectations continue to evolve, buildings that can demonstrate efficiency, cost control, and forward-thinking operations will be better positioned to attract and retain tenants in an increasingly competitive market.

Explore more of our upcoming educational events and opportunities to get involved here.

Join our Sustainability Committee by emailing our staff liaison here.