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Examining Green Building Practices: The Influence on Building Information Modeling Function Diffusion

Author

Listed:
  • Claudette Ibrahim El Hajj

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Notre Dame University Louaize, Zouk Mikael P.O. Box 72, Lebanon)

  • Germán Martínez Montes

    (Department of Construction and Engineering Projects, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

Abstract

The construction sector plays a pivotal role in sustainability efforts, driving the need for innovative solutions like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to optimize green building design and performance. This study examines the diffusion of BIM functionalities that support sustainability, particularly in energy efficiency, water management, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and green building certification. Using the innovation diffusion theory, the research employs three mathematical models—internal, external, and mixed—to analyze the adoption patterns of BIM for green building applications. Empirical findings reveal that external factors, such as government regulations, financial incentives, and industry trends, significantly influence the diffusion of BIM functions related to environmental performance. The mixed diffusion model demonstrates the highest explanatory power, indicating that both external and internal drivers play a role, particularly in material selection and lifecycle assessment. This study highlights the growing integration of BIM in sustainable construction, reinforcing the need for regulatory support to accelerate adoption. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, demonstrating how BIM can drive greener practices in the built environment. Policymakers should focus on developing policies and offering incentives such as feed-in tariffs, investment tax credits, and integrating Green BIM requirements into building codes to encourage sustainable construction practices. Also, curricula should be updated to include real-world projects and experiential learning to improve the adoption and efficiency of Green BIM practices. Future research should explore enhanced digital frameworks to further improve BIM’s impact on sustainability and lifecycle optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudette Ibrahim El Hajj & Germán Martínez Montes, 2025. "Examining Green Building Practices: The Influence on Building Information Modeling Function Diffusion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-29, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3843-:d:1641586
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhen Liu & Peixuan Li & Fenghong Wang & Mohamed Osmani & Peter Demian, 2022. "Building Information Modeling (BIM) Driven Carbon Emission Reduction Research: A 14-Year Bibliometric Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-26, October.
    2. Maria Kozlovska & Stefan Petkanic & Frantisek Vranay & Dominik Vranay, 2023. "Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Building Performance through BEMS-BIM Integration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-23, August.
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    4. Qiuli Cheng & Bassam A. Tayeh & Yazan I. Abu Aisheh & Wesam Salah Alaloul & Ziad A. Aldahdooh, 2024. "Leveraging BIM for Sustainable Construction: Benefits, Barriers, and Best Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-29, September.
    5. Bassem Jamoussi & Asad Abu-Rizaiza & Ali AL-Haij, 2022. "Sustainable Building Standards, Codes and Certification Systems: The Status Quo and Future Directions in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-24, August.
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