– To truly harness AI, our leaders must understand how the technology can be applied within our industry. It’s not just about technology, but about insight – how we can use data to improve everything from energy consumption to maintenance," says Jostein Breines, Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Reitan Eiendom.
Breines and Reitan Eiendom’s Head of IT, Silje Pettersen, have both worked at the company for over nine years. Throughout these years, they have witnessed how technology has gradually transformed their working methods, but also how crucial it is to understand the technology in order to derive value from it.
– The property sector has not always been at the forefront of digitalisation, but that is beginning to change. We are now seeing how data-driven innovation can deliver real added value. With machine learning, we can analyse large volumes of data and uncover patterns that would otherwise go unnoticed. It’s about establishing a solid data platform, where different datasets can be connected to provide us with new insights," says Breines.
Figures from BDO show that only 14 percent of players in the property sector actually use artificial intelligence, even though over 80 percent of those who do report increased value. For Reitan Eiendom, this is a clear signal that they can take the lead and demonstrate how AI can create value when used correctly.
– We have always viewed data as a valuable resource, but it is now about how we can apply it more strategically. AI gives us the opportunity to identify patterns and connections we wouldn’t otherwise have considered," says Pettersen.
To establish a clear direction for how AI can be utilised, Reitan Eiendom began with an opportunity analysis in collaboration with BDO. The analysis provided insight into the areas where AI could create value, from energy efficiency to predictive maintenance.
– The opportunity analysis revealed the vast potential of AI. We gained a clear understanding of which areas we could improve and where the technology could deliver the greatest value," says Pettersen.
But insight alone is not enough. For the technology to deliver real value, the leadership team needed practical understanding. That’s why Reitan Eiendom invited its management group to a course in collaboration with BDO.
– For us, it’s important that the leadership team gains practical insight into how AI can be applied. Technology can seem abstract and complex, but once you see how it works in practice, the possibilities become much clearer," says Pettersen.
AI expert and BDO consultant Maria Troøyen led the course, together with business analysts Arash Aminpour and Øystein Skei Langeland. Marianne Rygvold Karlsen, Partner and Head of Business Services at BDO MidtNord, opened the day with inspiring words about the value of digital competence.
– We wanted to make AI understandable and relevant for Reitan Eiendom. Technology only becomes valuable when it can be translated into practical use. It’s about showing how AI can be applied to concrete improvements, whether it’s energy savings, automated reporting, or smarter maintenance," says Troøyen.
The course brought together leaders with varying levels of experience – from those who had never used AI before to those already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT. The diversity in expertise created a dynamic learning environment where participants could ask questions, share experiences, and develop a shared understanding of how the technology can be applied.
– There is a big difference between having heard of AI and actually understanding how it can be applied in our industry. The course provides us with a shared platform and common language, while also giving us a deeper understanding of the risks and awareness of how AI should not be used. It’s about having clear guidelines and ensuring proper training," says Pettersen.
Reitan Eiendom manages and develops commercial properties in the centres of Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, as well as logistics, industrial and retail properties across Scandinavia. The company was established in 1995 and has grown through long-term thinking, collaboration, and a strong focus on sustainability.
With greater insight from the course, Reitan Eiendom now sees how artificial intelligence can become an important tool for the future. Energy efficiency stands out as a natural initial focus area, where AI can help identify patterns in energy consumption and uncover opportunities for savings.
– We’ve been collecting data for years, but we’re now seeing how we can extract even more value from it. With AI, we can uncover connections we hadn’t previously seen or considered," says Breines.
They are also exploring how AI can be used for predictive maintenance. With large volumes of data from their properties, they see the potential to anticipate issues before they arise, reduce complaints, and optimise resource usage.
– This is just the beginning. We see enormous potential in using AI to make operations smarter and more efficient," says Breines.
- We’ve now placed the leadership team in the driver’s seat. When they understand how the technology can be applied, it becomes a natural part of how we work