IFMA and Autodesk launch Building Lifecycle Management Initiative

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and Autodesk, a global leader in software for engineers, builders, designers and creators, have launched the Building Lifecycle Management Initiative (BLMI).

With a global focus spanning North America, EMEA, Asia-Pacific and LATAM, the technology-agnostic, standards-aligned initiative aspires to unify commercial real estate stakeholders – from owners and facilities managers to architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals, technology providers and regulatory agencies – around a common approach to lifecycle management.

Co-founded by IFMA and Autodesk, BLMI envisions a future in which the built environment operates with intelligence, efficiency and interoperability at every lifecycle phase: design, construction, operations, renovation and deconstruction. By emphasising industry-wide collaboration and the adoption of best practices and advanced technologies, the initiative establishes a cohesive, holistic approach to lifecycle management that will help industry stakeholders reduce costs and improve asset longevity while addressing decarbonisation and regulatory challenges.

BLMI places a strong focus on stakeholder collaboration, data governance, interoperability and advanced technology integration, such as building information modeling (BIM), digital twins, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence enabling smarter decision making, reducing inefficiencies and creating a connected data ecosystem. The objective is to deliver tangible value to every sector of commercial real estate, including:

• Owners & Investors: Extend asset lifespan, optimise operational costs and improve long-term financial performance.
• Facility Operations: Move from reactive maintenance to proactive lifecycle management, improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
• Architecture, Engineering, and Construction: Ensure design and construction integrate seamlessly with operational needs, reducing costly retrofits.
• Technology & Service Providers: Align digital solutions with industry-wide standards for seamless adoption and interoperability.

The Initiative does not seek to create or replace industry standards; rather, it will foster a framework for aligning stakeholders around a common approach to lifecycle management. By leveraging global industry standards – like ISO 19650 (Building Information Modeling), ISO 8000 (Data Quality), ISO 41001 (Facility Management Systems), and OSCRE data models – the initiative ensures that buildings are managed with consistency, efficiency and long-term value in mind.

Robert Bray, Vice President & General Manager, Autodesk Tandem said: “Advanced technology solutions, such as digital twins, rely on quality data to deliver powerful insights and 3D visualisations to facility operators. The Building Lifecycle Management Initiative seeks to resolve systemic issues related to data quality that span the building lifecycle.”

Lynn Baez, FMP, SFP, IFMA Fellow, Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors commented: “Given that operations represent the longest of the building lifecycle phases, IFMA is excited for the potential benefits the Building Lifecycle Management Initiative will deliver to our FM professionals. Adoption of this lifecycle management approach is long overdue.”

Dean Stanberry, CFM, SFP, Past Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors added: “The commercial real estate industry has long struggled with inefficiencies due to fragmented data, disconnected systems and short-term decision making. BLMI represents a turning point, providing a structured approach for aligning stakeholders, eliminating waste and unlocking the full potential of the built environment.”