Standardization News

ASTM International has published a new standard to help identify and classify building systems, components, sub-components and their attributes. The new standard (E3035, Classification for Facility Asset Component Tracking System (FACTS)) will optimize how assets and their associated functions and attributes are identified, tracked and used in modern buildings.

"The new standard drills deep enough to align the product, building system, attributes and life cycle to meet the varying needs of new technologies," says ASTM member William H. Hunt, chief estimator, Office of Project Delivery, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration. "No other classification system can do all this at once." Hunt says that the standard encompasses the following: building information modeling (BIM), smart buildings, computerized maintenance management, facility asset management processes and project controls systems.

According to Hunt, E3035 will lead to more effective overall management of each asset in a facility. The standard links functions, attributes, activities and personnel throughout the asset's life cycle, from initial planning through construction, operations, maintenance, repair, modernization and disposal.

"Without the use of the FACTS standard, a pump could only be classified as a pump," says Hunt. "Life cycle, required secondary functionality and attributes could not be captured, and that lack of data leads to higher costs. A pump that serves a fire protection system should receive more frequent maintenance and a higher priority than a pump serving a hot water system."

"In summary," says Hunt, "when you have properly classified data, you have the FACTS necessary to provide better stewardship of the total cost of ownership of the built environment."

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

CONTACT Technical Information: William H. Hunt, GSA Central Office • Atlanta, Ga. • tel +1.404.526.3168 | ASTM Staff: Stephen Mawn • tel +1.610.832.9726 | Upcoming Meeting: April 10-13 • April Committee Week • San Antonio, Texas