CBRE-Sponsored Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center Selected as Finalist in CoreNet Global Awards

CoreNet Global has named CBRE as a finalist of its annual global best practice awards for professional excellence in corporate real estate for its Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center (EVIDC) in Jacksonville, FL.

A partnership between CBRE and Miller EV Solutions, a branch of Miller Electric, the EVIDC provides a real-world environment for collaboration, testing, and training in various facets of EV charging infrastructure. The center, which opened in November 2023, gives clients the opportunity to experience and interact with a wide range of charging hardware and other components, which are managed on multiple EV charger management software platforms as part of CBRE’s remote operating center.

Mark Kerstens, Global Head of EV Charging Solutions at CBRE, said, “CoreNet’s recognition of the EV Innovation Design Center is a testament to CBRE’s effort of leading the way in this emerging industry. The EVIDC, which represents the largest grouping of diverse charging hardware and software in a single location, gives us an opportunity to test new solutions quickly. The site is open to the public for charging, which means we have a variety of end-users interacting with the technology giving CBRE and Miller real world, immediate feedback about performance, reliability and utilization, which we can then act on quickly. We anticipate this experience will accelerate adoption.”

CBRE also uses the EVIDC as a training facility for its service technicians and project engineers. Technicians have the opportunity to build skillsets in a number of critical areas, including EV charging hardware and software, solar power and battery storage solutions, micro-grids and more. CBRE’s first in-person classes took place in February, with technicians from several accounts completing the hands-on training and gaining skills in critical areas of EV charging operations and maintenance.

“An educated and prepared technician workforce is critical to the success of the industry,” said Kerri Stewart, Chief Strategy Officer & President, Miller EV Solutions. “When we first came together on this, we agreed that the EVIDC's mission would be to facilitate hands-on learning, testing, and data collection in the realm of EV charging technology, and it’s exciting to see that mission come to life.”

CoreNet Global presents the awards each year to leading organizations that demonstrate best-in-class practices in advancing thought leadership in corporate real estate. CBRE will now move on to compete for the 2024 H. Bruce Russell Global Innovator’s Award (GIA). The overall GIA winner will be announced during the CoreNet Global Summit in Washington, D.C. in November 2024.