Why Most Buildings Waste Energy—And How Runwise Fixes It

Optimizing Building Energy Efficiency with Runwise

Buildings waste an enormous amount of energy simply because they lack the right technology to run efficiently. Runwise, a Fifth Wall portfolio company, is changing that. In this conversation, Fifth Wall sits down with Runwise to explore how their platform is making buildings smarter, reducing energy waste, and delivering real-time solutions for property owners and managers.

Why Are Buildings Inefficient?

Many buildings—whether pre-war or brand new—lack real-time visibility into their own energy usage. Property managers often face a common problem: tenants complain about overheating or lack of heat, while owners struggle to optimize fuel use. Traditionally, buildings run on outdated, reactive systems that don’t adjust based on real-time conditions. Runwise solves this by installing temperature sensors and smart controls that allow properties to adjust their heating and cooling dynamically.

The Challenge of Making Buildings Smarter

Despite the clear need for efficiency, implementing this kind of technology isn’t easy. Runwise’s team highlights the complexity of integrating hardware, software, and user experience into a single seamless solution. While the concept of reducing energy waste is intuitive, execution requires deep expertise in both real estate operations and technology.

How Runwise Delivers Results

Runwise doesn’t just collect data—it actively controls building systems to optimize performance. The platform ensures that heating and cooling are only used when necessary, reducing fuel consumption by 20-25%. Beyond cost savings, Runwise also enhances reliability. In one instance, a boiler failure was detected in real-time, and an alert was sent to building staff before any tenants even noticed a problem. This proactive approach prevents costly emergencies and improves tenant comfort.

Why Fifth Wall Invested in Runwise

Fifth Wall saw Runwise’s potential early on, recognizing the company’s pragmatic approach to solving real estate’s energy inefficiencies. Runwise was drawn to Fifth Wall’s deep knowledge of the built environment and extensive network of real estate partners. By connecting Runwise with the right clients, Fifth Wall has helped accelerate adoption of this critical technology. As the industry moves toward smarter, more sustainable buildings, Runwise is leading the way. To see how they’re transforming building efficiency, watch the full conversation in the video above.

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