IFMA Releases AI Guide for Facilities Managers

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) recently released a guide to understanding and using AI in built environments, according to a news release. “Gamechanger: A Facility Manager’s Guide to Building a Relationship with AI” is available to IFMA members through IFMA’s Knowledge Library, and it serves as a roadmap for facility management professionals looking to adopt AI solutions into built environments.

“With AI dominating much of today’s technological discussions, FMs must learn to harness its capabilities and applications,” said Dean Stanberry, former chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors and member of the association’s AI in FM Working Group. “This guide serves as both a roadmap and a compass for facility managers. It offers step-by-step guidance on starting, scaling and sustaining AI initiatives. The insights shared are drawn from industry research, expert opinions and practical experiences, making it a valuable companion for any FM looking to stay ahead of the curve.”

“Gamechanger” covers facility management applications including predictive maintenance and energy efficiency optimization, the news release reports. It also offers guidance into AI deployment, how to align AI strategy with business goals, how to manage organizational changes, and how to ensure infrastructure readiness. The guide’s ultimate goal is to help facility management professionals improve building efficiency while reducing cost and boosting the tenants’ experience.

“AI in FM brings many questions from the C-suite to rank-and-file employees, and rightly so,” said Lynn Baez, IFMA Global Chair. “‘Gamechanger’ equips FMs to take the lead in answering those questions and turning those inherent challenges into opportunities to prepare their organizations and people to succeed.”

The guide will also be part of a panel discussion at the IFMA World Workplace 2024 Conference and Expo at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, in San Antonio, Texas.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.