Building information modelling in sustainable design and construction

Building information modelling (BIM) has been developed in design and construction as a solution to sustainability issues. This research aims to study the practical application, contributions and improvements of BIM in developing sustainable design and construction. The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in Australia is employed as a case. A questionnaire was developed and distributed via the internet to a range of industry professionals. The results indicate that two main functions of BIM are analysis and visualisation. BIM plays various roles in sustainable design and construction, and its most significant contributions have been in relation to developing energy efficiency, daylighting and orientation, and natural ventilation. Moreover, application barriers such as insufficient knowledge and practical experience of BIM, and clients' lack awareness of BIM are identified. Providing government support and training/education opportunities, reducing BIM software cost and increasing awareness of BIM are recommended to enhance its contribution to sustainable design and construction. This research makes a contribution in promoting BIM in developing sustainable design and construction and so advancing the sustainability of the AEC industry.