Data Centers Aren't Just an Industrial Story—They're Reshaping Commercial Real Estate
Data Centers Aren't Just an Industrial Story—They're Reshaping Commercial Real Estate
One of the recurring topics throughout the 2026 BOMA International Conference was the rapid expansion of data centers and the growing impact they're having on commercial real estate.
While many property managers don't operate data centers themselves, the industry's explosive growth is influencing everything from power infrastructure and utility planning to energy efficiency standards, tenant expectations, and development priorities.
Why it Matters
Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, healthcare, financial services, and digital communications all depend on data centers—and demand continues to accelerate.
That growth is creating ripple effects across the commercial real estate industry:
- Increased competition for electrical capacity and utility infrastructure
- Greater emphasis on energy efficiency and building performance
- Rising demand for highly reliable building systems
- New development opportunities for industrial and mixed-use markets
- Increased focus on sustainability alongside power consumption
For commercial property professionals, understanding these trends is becoming part of understanding the future of the built environment.
What the Industry Is Talking About
According to a recent industry engineering roundtable, today's data centers are being designed around two primary priorities: energy efficiency and resiliency. Engineers are placing greater emphasis on reducing energy consumption while maintaining the uninterrupted reliability these facilities require. New standards are also addressing emerging technologies such as lithium-ion battery storage, advanced cooling systems, and evolving fire protection requirements.
Rather than simply meeting minimum code requirements, many organizations are designing facilities that can adapt to future technology and regulatory changes—an approach that mirrors the long-term asset management mindset familiar to BOMA members.
The Takeaway for Property Managers
You don't need to become a data center expert.
But understanding the forces driving this market helps explain why conversations around electrical infrastructure, sustainability, resiliency, and building performance are becoming increasingly important across every commercial property type.
As technology continues to transform how buildings are designed and operated, the skills that make great property managers—strategic planning, operational excellence, and long-term stewardship—will become even more valuable.
BOMA Takeaway
The biggest takeaway from this year's conference wasn't just that data centers are growing—it was that the technologies driving them are influencing the future of commercial buildings everywhere. Staying informed about these trends helps property professionals prepare for what's next.
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