Design firm Herman Miller based in Zeeland, Mich. collaborated with Hewlett-Packard Co. to answer a basic question in corporate workplace strategy: How is our real estate being used? The recently developed Space Utilization Service, which includes sensing technology, software and consulting services, collects data that shows how often a workplace is used. Wireless motion sensors attached to the base of chairs in a workspace reveal to researchers which seats are being used and when. The company can then analyze which types of workers use the space and determine whether there is a more efficient solution. HP has no commercial revenue or license stake in the sensors; Herman Miller owns the design and intellectual property rights. The collected data can help reduce underused space. For some large companies, the findings could mean eliminating millions of square feet — entire buildings in some cases — saving purchase or leasing and maintenance costs, and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

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Gensler / Hewlett-Packard Co.

Jones Lang LaSalle / Motorola

San Antonio Economic Development Foundation / Windcrest / Rackspace

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University of Arizona, Global Advantage

VFA / Deutsche Bank

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