RICS is calling for more ambitious sector targets to raise awareness of BIM (Building Information Modelling) and its benefits to Facilities Management (FM).
The results of the recent BIM4FM survey highlight a significant lack of understanding on BIM and how it can be used within the built environment, with 35 per cent of the FM professionals surveyed not being familiar with BIM or its uses.
In light of these findings, RICS is concerned the FM industry is missing out on the added value BIM can bring to the smooth running of buildings.
Of those aware of BIM, 50.5 per cent cited the initial investment and maintenance costs associated with implementing BIM as a main concern. However, by investing in BIM at an early stage, FM professionals will have access to more accurate and reliable data about the properties they manage. This will deliver significant returns on investment and position BIM enabled practitioners as operating at the top of their profession.
As part of the BIM4FM group, RICS is working with the wider industry and its own membership to encourage greater awareness and ultimately adoption of BIM by FM professionals. RICS is also working to influence government policy to encourage investment and understanding from the sector.
Johnny Dunford, Global Commercial Property Director at RICS said: “Clearly the benefits of BIM and the competitive advantage it provides are not fully appreciated by the FM industry. RICS is eager to address this to ensure the profession is not left behind but instead seizes the opportunities presented by new technologies.
“It is vital that the entire property industry works together to ensure the data BIM produces is transferable across the different professions operating at every stage of a building’s life-cycle. By embracing BIM, FM professionals not only gain additional skills but can also become involved at the design stage as an educated consultant.”
To help raise awareness of BIM across the property industry, RICS is working with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the government-initiated Taskgroup for BIM and the Government Trial Project Support Group and is a member of BIM4FM. RICS is also seeking to engage more widely with industry bodies such as RIBA, BIFM and BPF.
