While developing a foundational strategy for transformation that is based on enabling the core business is key, advanced technologies like AI and machine learning are powerful tools that can unlock efficiencies across the entire real estate lifecycle, Davé says. AI/ML are incredibly powerful tools to become data-driven from analytics tools that can predict asset failures and market movements to infusing efficiencies across operations. "There are new and different ways in which real estate is viewed, transacted, managed, and all of that gets enabled through data and technology," says Davé. Beyond operational improvements, advanced and smart technologies can also help reduce emissions. According to a 2019 International Energy Agency global status report, the real estate industry contributed 39% of global carbon emissions attributed to both construction and the life cycle of the asset.

The answer to this challenge, according to Thomas Jung, head of IT Research and Development at Syngenta, is regenerative agriculture. Just as important as clean water and clean air, soil is the critical foundation of agriculture. The crux of regenerative agriculture is to grow more food with less environmental impact by enhancing the health of soil. "So not much has changed, but we need to feed more and more people," he continues "How do we address this challenge of feeding the world in a sustainable fashion without exploiting our soils more?" Regenerative agriculture efforts look to find solutions to help plants stay healthy, find solutions to make crops more resistant to climate change-induced droughts and heatwaves, and use less water in farming. Therefore, what's necessary is, "moving beyond the traditional agriculture and the way we've been doing this for probably 100 years or more. I mean, this is a leap," says Jung. "This is an agricultural revolution that is ongoing, and artificial intelligence will play the decisive role in it."