CBRE Valuation & Advisory Services (VAS) today announced that Rick Varnell, a 30-year technology and telecommunications veteran, has joined the company to lead a new consulting practice in the U.S. that will advise building owners on readying their properties to support the ever-increasing demands for bandwidth, mobile coverage and signal strength.

The focus of the new practice will be on building infrastructure demands to support applications and data capture.

Much like plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, building technological systems must be evaluated for “load,” or increased bandwidth requirements, through a unified services approach. This approach will confirm that the prescribed technology path for the network infrastructure (risers, internal wiring, connections to larger fiber optic networks, cellular signal strength and capacity, 5G readiness, IOT networks, etc.) and building systems are properly designed, implemented and maintained to maximize the expected benefits of the “Fourth Utility” type of technology services.

CBRE’s consultants address fundamental network issues focusing on critical areas such as:

• Rooftop management strategies: Effective management of rooftop space to improve connectivity to and around a building as well as provide income strategies for owners.
• In-Building Network Solutions: Evaluation of internal technological infrastructure for its ability to carry and support various technologies such as IoT; Lit and Dark Fiber offerings, Guest and Private Wi-Fi etc.
• Navigating Technology providers: Navigation of the technological landscape of offerings qualifying the best solutions that can be tailored to needs of the entire building.
• Public Safety & Regulatory: Public safety and first responder networks, NEPA requirements, Rf safety protocols, etc., are harnessed through providers aggregated by Building Technology Consultancy.

Mr. Varnell will work closely with key industry service providers to support a macro technology strategy for building owners. These include Intel and Boingo, and innovative technology partners like CrossLayer, Digitalware, IndoorVu, GroundVu, and Waterford Consultants, among others.

“We’re looking to close a wide communications gap between the technology and commercial real estate sectors. We are working with clients in both worlds to bridge that gap and help them achieve mutually beneficial solutions and to support the opportunities being offered in the marketplace,” saidJason Lund, Executive Managing Director, Valuation & Advisory Services, CBRE.

“We will enable building owners to integrate future-ready technology solutions that evolve. Our intent is that new tenants, operations and services can be seamlessly onboarded as internet- and cloud-based offerings continue to proliferate,” said Mr. Varnell, Executive Vice President, CBRE.

For more information on this building technology consulting service, please contact Rick Varnell.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2017 revenue). The company has more than 80,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through approximately 450 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.