Table of Contents
01
of 08News
London, (April 2, 2024) – buildingSMART International is delighted to announce that IFC 4.3 is now formally approved and published as an international standard by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This accreditation solidifies IFC 4.3 as the latest iteration of the successful ISO 16739 standard, marking a major step forward for the built environment. Following the approval announcement in January, IFC 4.3 is now formally published, and is expected to generate widespread uptake and use by the industry.
Check the source : IFC 4.3 Formally Approved and Published as an ISO Standard
Access the published standard here : ISO 16739-1:2024
02
of 08Introduction
In a momentous occasion for the global construction and infrastructure sectors, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has officially approved and published the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) version 4.3 as an international standard. This marks a significant milestone for the built environment, underlining the critical role of digitalization in fostering a more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected industry.
03
of 08A Decade in the Making: The Journey to IFC 4.3
The journey towards the formal publication of IFC 4.3 has been nearly a decade in the making. It is the culmination of persistent efforts by a diverse and global group of experts who have dedicated countless hours to its development. These individuals, drawn from various corners of the built environment sector, have collaborated under the auspices of buildingSMART International and worked closely with the ISO/CEN communities to make this achievement possible.
Clive Billiald, Chief Executive of buildingSMART International, encapsulated the sentiment surrounding this achievement by acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and commitment of everyone involved. This new standard is not just a technical document; it is a testament to the collaborative spirit and the shared vision of advancing the industry through digital transformation.
04
of 08The Essence of IFC 4.3
IFC 4.3 represents a significant evolution of the IFC standard, extending its utility to cover horizontal assets such as roads, railways, bridges, ports, and waterways. This expansion is a strategic move to encompass a broader range of infrastructure elements, thus enhancing the standard’s applicability and usability across various industry domains.
This version of the standard addresses the complex needs of horizontal asset management and development by promoting interoperability and comprehensive support. It has been meticulously developed to cater to diverse use cases, making it easier for software vendors to implement and for industry professionals to adopt.
05
of 08The Role of buildingSMART International
buildingSMART International has been at the forefront of this initiative, steering the development of open standards to support digital information flows across the built asset industry. As a vendor-neutral and not-for-profit body, its mission is to engage industry participants in the development of consensus-based open standards for the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure.
The organization’s efforts to foster collaboration among its members and with other international standards bodies have been instrumental in the advancement of IFC 4.3. This collaborative ethos extends to its partnership with ISO, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), ensuring that the standards developed are globally recognized and implemented.
06
of 08The Global Impact of IFC 4.3
The formal approval and publication of IFC 4.3 as an international standard by ISO are more than just a regulatory milestone. It represents a paradigm shift in how the construction and infrastructure sectors approach project planning, design, procurement, assembly, and operation.
IFC 4.3 is poised to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impacts by facilitating a more integrated and seamless flow of digital information across the industry. It encourages adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) practices, which are essential for creating more sustainable and resilient built environments.
07
of 08The Future is Now: Embracing Digital Transformation
The publication of IFC 4.3 as an ISO standard underscores the importance of digitalization in the built environment. It signals a move towards more collaborative, efficient, and sustainable practices enabled by adopting universal standards that foster interoperability and data exchange.
As the industry looks forward to widespread adoption and utilization of IFC 4.3, the focus now shifts to ensuring that industry professionals and software vendors are equipped to implement this standard seamlessly. The goal is to realize the full potential of digital transformation in the built environment, creating a more productive and sustainable industry for future generations.
08
of 08Conclusion
The approval and publication of IFC 4.3 as an international standard is a landmark event for the global built environment sector. It marks the culmination of nearly ten years of collaborative efforts among a diverse group of experts and organizations. This achievement highlights the critical role of digitalization in transforming the industry, paving the way for a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable future.
As we celebrate this milestone, it is crucial to recognize the hard work and dedication of all those involved in making IFC 4.3 a reality. Their efforts have set the stage for a brighter, more innovative future for the built environment. The industry is now poised to embrace the opportunities presented by this new standard, driving forward the digital transformation that will shape the future of construction and infrastructure for years to come.
