Linux Foundation Welcomes C4SB, Announces Intent to Form C4SB Foundation to Unify Open Data Standards for Smart Buildings

The C4SB Foundation will support technical projects that develop open standards and open source software for smart buildings.

SAN FRANCISCO – February 11, 2025 – The Linux Foundation is excited to announce the intent of the Coalition for Smarter Buildings (C4SB) to move to the Linux Foundation and launch the C4SB Foundation. The C4SB Foundation will work to support technical projects that develop  open standards and open source software for building automation, real estate applications and the lifecycle of buildings. By harnessing the power of open collaboration, the C4SB Foundation aims to unlock the digital potential of smarter buildings, and to further improve the efficiency, sustainability, and value of properties worldwide.

Initially formed in 2021, C4SB is a non-profit organization that brings together domain experts, technology innovators, and building owners to accelerate the adoption of smart building technologies. By joining the Linux Foundation, C4SB aims to enable deeper collaboration and impact across the real estate sector. Moving forward, the C4SB Foundation will promote open interoperability, more efficient operations, and enhanced occupant experiences, while searching for new avenues of innovation. Grounding these efforts in the Linux Foundation’s proven record of open standards and open source software will ensure that building owners maintain control and flexibility over their digital infrastructure.

“Open source collaboration is crucial to driving innovation across industries, and the move of the C4SB to the Linux Foundation underscores the potential for open source in real estate,” said Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation. “By uniting key players in the building and real estate sectors, we are not only creating a shared framework for interoperability, but also driving sustainable and transformative advancements for the future of smart buildings.”

The C4SB Foundation welcomes initial support from leading technology, real estate, and sustainability-focused organizations, including Cimetrics, Climatec (a division of Bosch), Clean Tower Innovations Alliance, Digital Masterplanning, Engenuity Systems, facil.ai, Onuma, Padi, SkyCentrics, Verdicity, We Write Code, Asset Leadership Network, Building Intelligence Group (BIG), and LonMark International. Together, these organizations will work diligently to support CS4B's mission to advance interoperability and innovation in building data.

“The fragmented data landscape in the real estate and building management industries has long been a challenge,” said Rick Justis, Executive Director of C4SB. “By uniting open standards and open source software under the Linux Foundation, C4SB will empower stakeholders to achieve higher efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in the built environment.”

The C4SB Foundation invites real estate professionals, building owners, facilities managers, and technology providers to get involved and help define the future of smart buildings. To learn more about C4SB, including how to become a member, please visit the C4SB website.

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Media Contact

Noah Lehman

The Linux Foundation

nlehman@linuxfoundation.org