The commercial real estate industry has been closely watching the emerging trend of office space densification: year over year, tenants are leasing less and less space per employee. In a recent research initiative, BOMA International explored the effects of this densification on the built environment.

This research uncovered three key findings, which are analyzed in a just-released white paper: 1) Densification is happening throughout the industry, but unevenly. 2) Densification is being driven by new technology, changes in workplace expectations, and the desire for more open, collaborative work environments, and 3) The challenges that higher density poses to commercial properties are real, but manageable.

In order to help property professionals meet the challenges of densification head-on, BOMA has created the “Tenant Leasing Checklist: A Guide for Assessing Tenant Occupancy Density.” Sheldon Oppermann, EVP at Compass Properties in Milwaukee and chair of BOMA International’s Research Committee, says the checklist is designed to help property professionals assess and address a tenant’s occupancy density at the time of a new lease or a renewal. Once a tenant’s density level is established, property professionals can use the checklist to more easily identify areas that may be impacted by an increased number of workers in an unchanging amount of office space: parking, restrooms, cleaning and trash removal, elevators and escalators, HVAC systems and more.

To download the white paper and checklist from Bisnow partner BOMA International, click here.