The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative Study
The construction industry in Kuwait is experiencing a transformative shift with the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, particularly BIM 6D for sustainability analysis and 7D for facility management. This study investigates the integration of these dimensions to address sus...
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Technologies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/13/2/65 |
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| author | Hanan Al-Raqeb Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar |
| author_facet | Hanan Al-Raqeb Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar |
| author_sort | Hanan Al-Raqeb |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The construction industry in Kuwait is experiencing a transformative shift with the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, particularly BIM 6D for sustainability analysis and 7D for facility management. This study investigates the integration of these dimensions to address sustainability challenges in Kuwait’s construction sector, aligning practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through qualitative interviews with 15 stakeholders—including architects, engineers, and contractors—and analysis of industry reports, policies, and case studies, the research identifies both opportunities for and barriers to BIM adoption. While BIM offers significant potential for lifecycle analysis, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, its adoption remains limited, with only 27% of construction waste recycled. Challenges include high initial costs, a shortage of skilled personnel, and resistance to change. The study highlights actionable strategies, including enhanced regulatory frameworks, university curriculum integration, and professional training programs led by the Kuwait Society of Engineers, to address these barriers. It also emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among government bodies, industry leaders, and institutions like the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Drawing from successful international BIM projects, the findings offer a practical framework for improving sustainability in arid regions, positioning Kuwait’s experience as a model for other Middle Eastern and North African countries. This research underscores the transformative role of BIM technologies in advancing global sustainable construction practices and achieving a more efficient and eco-friendly future. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d5b95ec8eb5641c18c530efe283da036 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2227-7080 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Technologies |
| spelling | doaj-art-d5b95ec8eb5641c18c530efe283da0362025-08-20T02:03:30ZengMDPI AGTechnologies2227-70802025-02-011326510.3390/technologies13020065The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative StudyHanan Al-Raqeb0Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UKCivil Engineering, University of Birmingham, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai P.O. Box 341799, United Arab EmiratesThe construction industry in Kuwait is experiencing a transformative shift with the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, particularly BIM 6D for sustainability analysis and 7D for facility management. This study investigates the integration of these dimensions to address sustainability challenges in Kuwait’s construction sector, aligning practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through qualitative interviews with 15 stakeholders—including architects, engineers, and contractors—and analysis of industry reports, policies, and case studies, the research identifies both opportunities for and barriers to BIM adoption. While BIM offers significant potential for lifecycle analysis, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, its adoption remains limited, with only 27% of construction waste recycled. Challenges include high initial costs, a shortage of skilled personnel, and resistance to change. The study highlights actionable strategies, including enhanced regulatory frameworks, university curriculum integration, and professional training programs led by the Kuwait Society of Engineers, to address these barriers. It also emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among government bodies, industry leaders, and institutions like the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Drawing from successful international BIM projects, the findings offer a practical framework for improving sustainability in arid regions, positioning Kuwait’s experience as a model for other Middle Eastern and North African countries. This research underscores the transformative role of BIM technologies in advancing global sustainable construction practices and achieving a more efficient and eco-friendly future.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/13/2/65sustainable transformationKuwaiti constructionfacility managementBIM 6DBIM 7Dconstruction waste |
| spellingShingle | Hanan Al-Raqeb Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative Study Technologies sustainable transformation Kuwaiti construction facility management BIM 6D BIM 7D construction waste |
| title | The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative Study |
| title_full | The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative Study |
| title_fullStr | The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative Study |
| title_short | The Role of BIM 6D and 7D in Enhancing Sustainable Construction Practices: A Qualitative Study |
| title_sort | role of bim 6d and 7d in enhancing sustainable construction practices a qualitative study |
| topic | sustainable transformation Kuwaiti construction facility management BIM 6D BIM 7D construction waste |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/13/2/65 |
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