BRIDGING BIM AND SUSTAINABILITY: GLOBAL TRENDS AND INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR IFC-BASED WORKFLOWS

Abstract

Climate change and global warming have accelerated the adoption of sustainable development strategies. As a major emitter and energy consumer, the construction sector is a primary target for energy efficiency and low-carbon initiatives. This study investigates how Building Information Modeling (BIM) facilitates the transition toward eco-efficient construction. A bibliometric analysis conducted using the Scopus database identifies China, the United Kingdom, and the United States as the most influential contributors to this field of research. Key thematic clusters include energy efficiency, green building, life cycle assessment (LCA), and circular economy, with Digital Twin emerging as a prominent trending topic for monitoring and maintenance. Despite this potential, information quality and interoperability remain critical barriers due to data gaps and a lack of standardization. Addressing these challenges, this paper presents a conceptual framework for creating, structuring, and verifying BIM data to ensure traceability through the IFC schema. Findings suggest that BIM-driven sustainability requires a maturity level characterized by open standards, high-fidelity models, and collaborative workflows. The analyses underscore the necessity of investing in technology and standardization to fully leverage BIM for sustainable development in the AECO industry.