The Role of BIM and Artificial Intelligence in Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Construction Projects: A Sustainable Construction Management Approach
Keywords:
Building Information Modeling; Artificial Intelligence; Environmental Impact Reduction; Sustainable Construction Management; Construction Projects; Digital ConstructionAbstract
This study aimed to examine the role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence in reducing the environmental impacts of construction projects with an emphasis on sustainable construction management. This applied quantitative study was conducted using a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of construction professionals, engineers, project managers, BIM specialists, construction management experts, architects, and environmental consultants working in construction projects in Tehran. A total of 284 participants were selected through purposive sampling based on professional experience and familiarity with construction technologies or sustainable construction practices. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring BIM application in construction management, artificial intelligence application in construction projects, environmental impact reduction, and sustainable construction management. The questionnaires were scored on a five-point Likert scale, and their content validity was confirmed by experts. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis at a significance level of 0.05. The inferential results showed that BIM application was positively and significantly correlated with environmental impact reduction (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and sustainable construction management (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Artificial intelligence application also had significant positive correlations with environmental impact reduction (r = 0.67, p < 0.01) and sustainable construction management (r = 0.64, p < 0.01). Environmental impact reduction was strongly associated with sustainable construction management (r = 0.73, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that BIM alone explained 46% of the variance in environmental impact reduction, while the combined model of BIM and artificial intelligence explained 51% of the variance. Both BIM (β = 0.44, p < 0.001) and artificial intelligence (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) significantly predicted environmental impact reduction. In addition, BIM, artificial intelligence, and environmental impact reduction significantly predicted sustainable construction management and explained 62% of its variance. The findings indicate that BIM and artificial intelligence are effective digital enablers for reducing the environmental impacts of construction projects and strengthening sustainable construction management. Their integrated application can improve design coordination, resource optimization, waste reduction, carbon control, and data-driven decision-making in construction projects.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammadmoein Zohreh (Corresponding author)
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