April 11, 2025 — The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and Autodesk, a global provider of software for engineers, builders, designers and creators, recently launched the Building Lifecycle Management Initiative (BLMI), a groundbreaking, technology-agnostic, standards-aligned endeavor that aspires to unify commercial real estate stakeholders – from owners and facility managers (FMs) to architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals, technology providers and regulatory agencies — around a common approach to lifecycle management. With a global focus spanning North America, EMEA, Asia-Pacific and LATAM, the initiative is poised to drive transformation of the built environment on a worldwide scale.
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 emphasizing 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 decarbonization 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 and investors: Extend asset lifespan, optimize 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 and 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 and general manager of Autodesk Tandem, stated:
Advanced technology solutions, such as digital twins, rely on quality data to deliver powerful insights and 3D visualizations to facility operators. The Building Lifecycle Management Initiative seeks to resolve systemic issues related to data quality that span the building lifecycle.
Dean Stanberry, CFM, SFP, past chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors, remarked: 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.
To join this movement and shape the future of building lifecycle management, visit Building Lifecycle Management Initiative (BLMI). Register to stay informed, contribute to ongoing discussions, and explore how your organization can participate in advancing industry-wide best practices.
