Record summer heat is driving a growing focus on real estate efficiency across the United States. Building owners face rising cooling costs while trying to meet sustainability targets. As demand for climate-friendly solutions grows, technology is emerging to meet both operational and environmental goals.
Many large buildings still run cooling systems without accurate temperature feedback. Centralized controls often fail to detect temperature differences between various zones. This inefficiency leaves some areas freezing while others remain uncomfortably warm. Consequently, both comfort and energy savings suffer.
Runwise, a New York-based tech company, is addressing these challenges with a new cooling platform. The system combines wireless sensors with advanced algorithms that factor in future weather patterns. These sensors provide accurate data, helping optimize when and how cooling systems run. This directly improves real estate efficiency while cutting energy waste.
For example, a 100,000-square-foot property might have only one boiler or chiller. With 20 to 25 sensors installed, Runwise can analyze real-time temperatures across the building. The system then adjusts cooling output based on user preferences and predicted weather conditions. This approach keeps spaces comfortable while avoiding unnecessary energy use.
Runwise technology now operates in over 10,000 buildings across 10 states. Its clients include major property owners like Related, Equity Residential, and Douglas Elliman. The company estimates that its platform has saved customers more than $100 million in energy costs. These results highlight how real estate efficiency can also deliver significant financial benefits.
The company recently secured $55 million in Series B funding, led by Menlo Ventures. Total investment in Runwise has now reached $79 million. Other backers include Nuveen Real Estate, Munich Re Ventures, and Fifth Wall. This funding will support nationwide expansion and the integration of artificial intelligence into its systems.
CEO Jeff Carleton says AI will further refine the platform’s efficiency. As more data flows in from connected buildings, predictive models will become increasingly accurate. This will allow systems to adjust in real time, enhancing both comfort and cost savings.
With extreme heat becoming more common, the demand for intelligent cooling solutions is expected to grow. Landlords and property managers are likely to invest heavily in tools that improve both tenant comfort and operational savings. The next wave of innovation in real estate efficiency may well set new industry standards.
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