Building Lifecycle Management

This approach is grounded in a suite of industry standards including, but not limited to ISO 19650, ISO 15686, BS ISO 14040, ASTM E2921-22, BREEAM, LEED and the ISO 55000 series. These standards provide a structured methodology for managing information, assessing environmental impacts and planning for the long-term service life of buildings. By integrating these guidelines, BLM ensures that all stakeholders — architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers and owners — are aligned in their efforts to create buildings that are not only functional but also adaptable to future needs.

At its core, BLM emphasizes the importance of data integrity and continuity, ensuring that accurate, comprehensive information flows seamlessly through each phase of a building’s life cycle. This data-driven approach empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that enhance building performance, reduce environmental impact and extend the asset’s longevity. In a world where buildings are increasingly complex and data-rich, BLM provides the roadmap to manage these complexities effectively.

The siloed history of commercial real estate

Historically, the commercial real estate industry has been characterized by a fragmented and siloed approach to building management. Each phase of a building’s life cycle — design, construction, operations — often operates in isolation, with little to no communication or data sharing between the teams responsible for each phase. This disjointed approach leads to inefficiencies, miscommunication and, most critically, the loss of vital information that could enhance the building’s performance and value.

For example, during the construction phase, crucial data about materials, systems and design intentions are often not passed on to the facility management team responsible for operating the building. This results in FMs working with incomplete or inaccurate information, leading to higher maintenance costs, operational inefficiencies and a greater risk of equipment failures. Similarly, architects and engineers may not receive feedback from FMs about the operational challenges of previous projects, preventing them from making improvements in future designs.

This fragmented approach has been further complicated by the traditional focus on short-term goals, such as completing construction on time and within budget, rather than considering the long-term performance of the building in operation. As a result, buildings are often not optimized for their full life cycle, leading to higher costs, lower efficiency and increased environmental impact.

The role of digital transformation in accelerating BLM adoption

The rise of digital transformation has brought these challenges into sharp focus. The proliferation of advanced technologies — building information modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, artificial intelligence (AI) — has revolutionized how buildings are designed, constructed and managed. These technologies generate vast amounts of data, offering unprecedented insights into every aspect of a building’s performance. However, to fully leverage these insights, there must be a seamless integration of data across all phases of the building life cycle.

Digital transformation has accelerated the need for BLM by highlighting the inefficiencies of the traditional siloed approach. As buildings become more complex and interconnected, the ability to manage and analyze data across the entire life cycle becomes increasingly important. Without a comprehensive BLM framework, the potential of these digital tools remains untapped, and the industry risks falling behind in its ability to meet the demands of the future.

In this new era, where buildings are expected to be smart and responsive to the needs of their occupants, BLM is a necessity. It ensures that data is not only collected but also effectively managed, shared and utilized throughout the building’s life cycle, leading to better decision making and enhanced performance.

BLM as an industry-wide change management program

Adopting BLM is not just a technical shift; it represents a fundamental change in how the commercial real estate industry operates. This change requires a coordinated, industry-wide effort, akin to a large-scale change management program. To successfully implement BLM, the industry must undergo a cultural transformation, embracing collaboration, transparency and a long-term perspective.

A successful change management program for BLM adoption would involve several key components:

• Stakeholder engagement and education: All stakeholders — including architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers and building owners — must be engaged early and continuously throughout the building life cycle. This engagement should include education and training programs to ensure that all parties understand the principles and benefits of BLM and are equipped to implement it effectively.

• Standardization of data formats and protocols: To facilitate seamless data integration, the industry must adopt standardized data formats and communication protocols. This will ensure that data is consistent, interoperable and accessible across all phases of the building life cycle, enabling better collaboration and decision making.

• Implementation of advanced technology solutions: The integration of advanced digital tools, such as BIM, CMMS, IoT, EMS and digital twins, is critical to the success of BLM. These technologies must be deployed in a way that supports the continuous flow of data and information across the building life cycle, enhancing efficiency and decarbonization goals.

• Development of clear policies and governance: Organizational policies and governance frameworks must be established to mandate the collection, maintenance and transfer of asset data throughout the building life cycle. These policies will ensure data integrity and continuity, supporting the long-term performance and value of the building.

• Promotion of industry best practices: Sharing success stories, case studies and best practices is essential to demonstrating the tangible benefits of BLM and encouraging wider adoption across the industry. By highlighting real-world examples of successful BLM implementation, the industry can build momentum and drive continuous improvement.

• Cultural shift toward collaboration and transparency: Finally, the industry must embrace a cultural shift toward greater collaboration and transparency. This means breaking down traditional silos, fostering open communication and encouraging a life cycle mentality that considers the long-term impacts of decisions made at every phase of the building’s life.

Call to action: Embrace the BLM mindset

The commercial real estate industry stands at a crossroads. The choices made today will determine the ability to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Adopting a building lifecycle management mentality is not just about improving the efficiency of individual buildings; it is about transforming the entire industry to be more resilient, adaptable and future-focused.

Embracing BLM can unlock buildings’ full potential, ensuring they are not only designed and constructed to the highest standards but, also managed and maintained in a way that maximizes their performance and value over time. This is not a task that can be accomplished by any one organization or individual — it requires a collective effort, with all stakeholders working together toward a common goal.

Now is the time to act. The technology, standards and best practices are already in place. What is needed is the commitment to adopt a BLM mindset, drive this change across the industry and shape the future of commercial real estate, creating buildings that are smarter and better equipped to meet the needs of generations to come.

Making BLM an industry standard can ensure that the buildings created today will stand the test of time, providing value, efficiency and sustainability long into the future.