In 2025, work arrangements stabilized, the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices accelerated, and the adoption of AI in buildings matured from pilot projects to mainstream investment. Meanwhile, sustainability and cybersecurity pressures intensified, driving more and more organizations to evaluate how facility performance and optimization solutions can improve efficiency and reduce risk. These dynamics made 2025 both exciting and challenging. So, what should organizations expect in 2026 when it comes to technology’s role in facilities management, space planning and real estate portfolio optimization?
Recently, Johnson Controls OpenBlue leaders Jennifer Heath, Senior Manager Product Marketing and Julius Marchwicki, VP & GM, Digital SaaS led a webinar to share their predictions for what the next year holds for facilities and real estate teams. Their insights point toward a future where buildings operate not just as cost centers but as strategic assets and drivers of growth – and where open, connected platforms like Johnson Controls OpenBlue help maximize the potential of that transformation.
Here’s a look at five of their predictions for what lies ahead in 2026:
