How Smart Buildings Can Cash In on Their Digital Infrastructure
In today’s digital economy, data is the new oil, and tech giants are drilling deep. Amazon, Google, and Netflix are masters of data monetization, turning streams of information into massive revenue.
But here’s the twist: smart buildings can do it too.
If your property has IoT sensors, smart building management systems, or even just a fast network, you’re sitting on a potential goldmine.
Let’s explore how commercial real estate can profit like Big Tech — while avoiding the pitfalls.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) pulled in $28.8 billion in Q4 2024, making up over 58% of Amazon’s total profit. That’s not from retail — that’s from cloud computing and data infrastructure services.
Smart Building Application:
- Monetize building Wi-Fi and internet bandwidth with premium tenant plans
- Offer data-driven amenity packages (VIP meeting rooms, faster elevators, etc.)
Track utility consumption and provide usage-based billing
2. Analyze Like Google: Turn Insights Into Value
Google and Netflix don’t just collect data — they use it to drive personalization, retention, and business decisions.
Netflix says over 80% of its views come from its algorithmic recommendations, saving more than $1 billion annually from reduced churn.
Smart Building Application:
- Deploy building analytics platforms to uncover inefficiencies
- Use predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and save costs
- Give property managers insights into tenant behavior and preferences
3. Personalize Like Spotify: Enhance Tenant Experience
Spotify Wrapped isn’t just marketing fluff — it boosted app downloads by 21% during its seasonal campaign.
Smart Building Application:
- Let tenants personalize workspace environments via mobile apps
- Use data to recommend services like parking, food delivery, or meeting space
- Create “Your Year in the Building” tenant recaps
4. Avoid Tesla’s Data Missteps: Transparency Builds Trust
Tesla made headlines for resisting data sharing after an Autopilot crash — a PR stumble that reminded the world: data ethics matter.
Smart Building Application:
- Be transparent with your building data policy
- Use anonymized data to protect tenant privacy
- Clearly communicate what’s collected and how it’s used
5. Profit Ethically: The Future is Data-Driven
The global data monetization market is projected to hit $28 billion by 2033. Buildings that get smart now will be leaders later.
Smart Building Application:
- Sell anonymized usage data to ESG consultants or urban planning firms
- Launch a “building insights” add-on for tenants or nearby properties
- Increase lease renewals with performance-driven amenities
TL;DR: How to Monetize Smart Building Data
Step 1: Map your building’s digital infrastructure
Step 2: Use real-time dashboards for analytics
Step 3: Offer data-powered premium services
Step 4: Stay ethical, secure, and transparent
Final Thought
Amazon profits from servers. Google profits from queries. Netflix profits from your watch habits.
Why shouldn’t your building profit from its digital footprint?
Just make sure to avoid the data accountability mistakes that tripped up Tesla
Need help launching a data monetization strategy for your building?
Let’s talk — we build smarter buildings for the future.