Facility managers useASTM/IFMA standardswhen determining the assignment of floor area for occupant groups. TheASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA)have developed specific standards for space measurement and allocation to ensure consistency and efficiency in facility planning and management.
* ASTM Standards: ASTM E1836 and ASTM E2570 provide guidelines for space measurement in commercial and office spaces, ensuring accurate calculations of usable and rentable areas.
* IFMA Standards: IFMA offers benchmarking and space utilization metrics that help facility managers align space usage with organizational needs.
* Comparison with Other Options:
* Industry-specific standards (A): Varies by sector and does not provide a universally recognized standard for space allocation.
* Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate Standard (B): Primarily focused on real estate data management rather than floor area assignment.
* Accessibility standard (C): Primarily related to ADA compliance and does not specify space allocation for occupants.