Use Case 1. Similarity-Based Building Discovery and Trustee Contact

Purpose: To allow trustees to identify similar buildings and establish direct contact with their trustees for shared learning, guidance, and potential collaboration.

Description: Trustees can use free-text search to identify buildings with similar characteristics, such as age, structural features, size, or operational challenges, and directly connect with the trustees of those buildings.

Example Query: “What are other buildings that are like mine, and how do I contact the trustees of these buildings?”

Key Features: Advanced search with filters for building characteristics. Direct messaging or contact request system for reaching out to trustees. Profile pages for each building with trustee contact information and operational summaries.

Benefits: Simplifies networking, promotes information sharing among trustees, and facilitates cross-building collaboration on shared challenges.

Use Case 2. Project-Based Inquiry and Bid Sharing

Purpose: To enable trustees to find similar buildings that have completed or are planning similar large-scale projects (e.g., plumbing overhauls), with the option to request access to bid information and project details.

Description: Trustees can perform free-text searches to find similar buildings that have recently completed, or are planning to undergo, specific projects (such as plumbing replacement). They can also request access to relevant project bids, cost comparisons, and contact information.

Example Query: “There are major plumbing issues in my building over the past years, requiring an entire replacement of all pipes. What other similar buildings went recently through a similar project? What other similar buildings are expected to apply a similar project soon? I wish to get permission to access details of bids received by trustees of similar buildings for similar projects.”

Key Features: Historical project database with filterable project types and timelines. Permission-based bid and document sharing for project transparency. Recommendation system for similar projects and budgeting insights.

Benefits: Provides trustees with real-world examples and cost data, facilitates knowledge-sharing around large projects, and helps secure competitive bids by comparing data.

Use Case 3. Utility Consumption Comparison and Best Practices

Purpose: To help trustees analyze water and energy consumption across similar buildings, allowing them to pinpoint differences and uncover best practices for reducing consumption.

Description: Trustees can use free-text questions to identify buildings with comparable water or energy usage profiles and contact trustees of low-consumption buildings to learn about the initiatives or technologies they implemented.

Example Queries:

“What buildings are like mine in terms of water consumption? Of the ones that significantly consume less, what is the reason for that?”

“What buildings are like mine but consume much less energy? Why is that? Did they install any new systems? Who are the trustees of such buildings, and how do I contact them?”

Key Features: Consumption comparison tool with metrics for water and energy use. Tagging for conservation methods (e.g., new systems, upgrades, operational changes). Messaging system to directly contact trustees of low-consumption buildings.

Benefits: Helps trustees understand and adopt energy-efficient practices, reduce costs, and connect with others who have successfully reduced consumption.

Use Case 4. Renovation and Remodeling Knowledge Base

Purpose: To provide a platform for trustees to share experiences, best practices, and vendor recommendations for renovation and remodeling projects.

Description: Trustees can access a knowledge base of past projects, including renovation costs, timelines, and vendor evaluations. They can also post about upcoming renovations to solicit advice from trustees who have completed similar projects.

Example Query: “What renovations have buildings of similar age and size completed recently? Who were the contractors, and how satisfied are the residents with the results?”

Key Features: Renovation project library with budget, timeline, and vendor details. User ratings and reviews for contractors and suppliers. Project planning checklists and success stories.

Benefits: Simplifies project planning, reduces risk by learning from similar projects, and helps trustees make informed vendor choices.