BIM Contributions to Promotion of Sustainable Practices in the Construction Sector

Interfaces with the Agenda 2030

Abstract

Objective – This study aims to analyze how Building Information Modeling (BIM) can contribute to promoting sustainable practices in the construction sector, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda.

Methodology – Based on a bibliometric approach, the ten most cited articles on the topic were selected from the Scopus database, published between 2016 and 2025, using the descriptors “BIM,” “construction,” and “(SDG or sust*).” The methodology involved article screening and content analysis based on binary and descriptive criteria, including alignment with SDGs, engineering areas involved, and sustainable impacts attributed to BIM.
Relevance – The study advances the integration between BIM and the SDGs, with a specific focus on the construction sector. By adopting a systematic approach combined with qualitative criteria and an analysis of BIM’s effective contributions to sustainability, this research provides an original perspective, particularly when considering the alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda targets. The relevance lies in the timeliness of the topic and the urgency of advancing more responsible, efficient, and environmentally integrated construction practices, contributing to the scientific and technical debate on the role of digital technologies in the sustainable transformation of cities.

Results – The findings reveal that BIM has played a significant role in integrating sustainability criteria throughout the building life cycle, with emphasis on energy efficiency, resource economy, technological innovation, and sustainable urban planning. There was a higher incidence of SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13, indicating a convergence between BIM’s potential and the global commitments of the 2030 Agenda.

Theoretical and Methodological Contributions – The study offers an updated mapping of the interfaces between BIM and sustainability, as well as the organization of analytical categories applicable to future research. Methodologically, it proposes a replicable approach for the critical analysis of technical-scientific literature based on the SDGs.

Social and Environmental Contributions – From a social and environmental perspective, the research highlights BIM’s role as a decision-support tool in the construction sector, with the potential to foster more efficient, resilient, and sustainability-aligned building practices.