NIFA, in facilities management, stands for Net Internal Floor Area and refers to the total usable space within a building or facility, typically measured in square feet or square meters. It represents the area available for occupants or where activities and operations can occur. Net internal floor area excludes walls, columns, plant areas and some circulation spaces like staircases.

The net internal floor area is calculated by measuring the floor space of each room or area within the building and summing them up. It accurately measures the functional space available for various purposes, including office workstations, equipment placement, storage, meeting rooms, and other operational activities such as cleaning.

Facilities managers use the net internal floor area as a key metric to optimise space utilisation, plan and allocate resources effectively, and ensure that the facility meets the requirements of its occupants. It helps in determining the capacity and functionality of a building and influences decisions related to layout design, furniture arrangement, occupancy limits, energy consumption, and facility maintenance.

For a complete list of everything included and excluded from NIFA, please visit the .gov website here.