Proptech Outlook: Specials Magazine

Modern buildings are more than just brick and mortar. They are living ecosystems—complex, data-driven and expected to deliver higher levels of efficiency, security and environmental performance. Behind the walls and beneath the surface, systems like HVAC, lighting, access control, water quality and energy monitoring work in sync to power everyday operations. For over five decades, Jackson Control has ensured that all these systems operate in harmony, enhancing building performance and long-term value. But as technologies evolve and the world grapples with aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, pressure to meet sustainability goals and an AI-driven future on the horizon, a new challenge emerges: how to make existing buildings smarter, more secure and future-ready? For Jackson Control, the answer lies in retrofitting. For decades, this technology construction management company has been transforming legacy buildings into high-performing, future-ready environments. As a leading provider and distributor of building technology solutions, Jackson Control drives this transformation through smart building integration, uniting the three pillars of modern performance: efficiency, security, and health. This retrofit-first strategy delivers tangible business value by cutting costs, boosting energy efficiency, enhancing occupant health, while supporting ESG goals and strengthening cyber security. “For us, retrofitting isn’t just a workaround; it's a strategic imperative,” says Greg Ericksen, chairman and CEO. “There’s a massive opportunity in taking care of what’s already built and we’re making the existing stronger, smarter and more secure." Transforming Infrastructure for Long-Term Value As the world chases the next big thing, Jackson Control offers a different narrative, one rooted in legacy, pragmatism and transformation. Backed by five and a half decades of hands-on application experience, the company brings a rare depth of understanding to the table. Its expertise lies in navigating and integrating complex legacy systems with precision, unlocking value by preserving existing equipment and prior investments. While new builds do bring innovation and growth, they account for only one to two percent of the global building stock each year. Jackson Control directs its expertise toward the vast opportunity within the existing 98 percent—buildings already in operation—opening door to their untapped potential for transformation and lasting impact. According to Ericksen, “over the lifecycle of a typical facility, retrofit investments end up being about 3.5 times greater than the initial cost of new construction.”