IFMA Releases White Paper on Emerging Topics in Facility Management

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the release of a new white paper, according to a news release. “Evolution is Never Finished: Insights From IFMA’s Emerging Topics Working Group on How Six Key Topics are Transforming the FM Industry” discusses the implications of six high-impact issues, drivers, and trends in the facility management industry.

The paper is available in IFMA’s Knowledge Library and covers six key topics: PropTech, AI and Generative AI, Contending with Climate Change, Circular Economy, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Reporting, and Workplace Wellness and Well-Being. The chosen topics are the result of extensive data analysis and expert opinions and are considered to be topics that could significantly affect the industry moving forward.

“The convergence of external influences such as climate change, the rapid diffusion and uptake of digital technologies, and post-pandemic societal shifts is expanding FM knowledge, skill and experience requirements. These factors have accelerated the industry’s evolution from traditional back-of-house operations and maintenance to a new data-driven, people-centric, climate- and resource-aware era of FM,” said Dean Stanberry, CFM, SFP, IFMA Board Chair and Chair of the Emerging Topics Working Group. “IFMA plays a crucial role in helping FMs navigate uncharted territory, delivering information and education to the FM community.”

The IFMA Emerging Topics Working Group debuted last year to help identify and explore the ramifications of high-impact emerging topics in the industry. The group includes 23 industry experts and seven members of IFMA’s professional staff. The process of analyzing and reporting on emerging topics will become institutionalized within the association, and the “Evolution is Never Finished” paper is slated as the first in a series of resources to be shared with the global facility management community.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Fellowes Launches New 3D Modular, Product Configurators

    Contract interiors and architectural solutions provider Fellowes recently announced the launch of new 3D modular and product configurators for several of its product lines, according to a news release. The new products offer SIF file integration and pricing for the Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines in connection with 3D Cloud, which provides 3D product visualization and 3D digital asset management.

  • Epson Receives Seven AV Industry Awards

    Projectors manufacturer Epson recently announced that it received multiple awards across the Higher Ed AV Awards, SCN Stellar Service Awards, and InfoComm 2025, according to a news release. The company was recognized for three projectors from its PowerLite L-Series line, accessories, installation process, and its customer support team.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • Extron, CENTEGIX Partner for Comprehensive School Security Solution

    Professional audiovisual solutions provider Extron recently announced a partnership with CENTEGIX, which provides rapid incident response technology, to integrate two of their top products in the name of school safety.