*Buildings* **2020**, *10*, 147

**Figure 4.** Comparison of evaluations and index findings for projects by stages and teams.

In addition to this comparison of parameters for each project, Figure 4 presents a comparison of projects. The figure shows in detail the process of comparison conducted in the index between optimal implementation and actual implementation in a given project. It also presents a classification of projects with the same purpose, by stages and by teams, in an attempt to examine the possibility of overlap in trends between the three types of parameters.

### **6. Discussion**

In this paper, the optimal BIM implementation models are characterized, for all stages and project types, to compare projects, with their social and economic implications, using BIM management measures. The tables above clearly show the relationship between social benefit and effectiveness, alongside the ability to reflect this in the proposed index.

Examining the projects reveals a fit for each project, as well as between projects—in terms of linear changes by stages and by teams in the same project. This applies to both professional and non-professional populations in projects. Social and economic background data back up the findings of the index. For example, in urban projects, there is a social attempt to integrate selected representatives of employees and municipalities into the planning team, which results in great efficiency and a high index. Projects 3 and 5 are characterized by the involvement of catering consultants, and, therefore, a special optimal BIM implementation model has been prepared. These consultants are not involved in communications, and the other professionals are not adequately skilled, resulting in unnecessary delays and expenses. However, in project number 5, the BIM manager is more involved, which has made the index different. In contrast to project 4, in project 6, the end-user is not involved, which has led to a late revision of the campus plan, change of schedules, and huge costs, a difference that is well reflected in the index. Projects 7,8,9 belong to the same compound and are deliberately separated for research purposes. Project 7 requires the preparation of a BIM implementation model for the construction stage, which also includes the contractor teams. Projects 8 and 9 are carried out by various teams and require, in terms of research, the preparation of a BIM implementation model for the campus in the construction stage. Although, in terms of objective effectiveness data, projects 7 and 8 are the same, and the comparison with the optimal model reveals the great work that the BIM manager has done in dealing with the lack of skills and social connection. The same BIM manager has gained greater collaboration in project number 9. This means that according to industry-standard project management parameters, the work processes required at various points of construction could not be discovered. The difference between the results is due to the resolution of the index, which is measured point-wise, compared to parameters measured over a period of the project. The index score thus allows evaluating performance and improving it further during the work, while providing a targeted response to the needs and differentiation in the project. It can be seen, therefore, that there is a direct relation between the level of social benefit and the subjective and objective levels of effectiveness per project, which is reflected in the index.

The examination validates the concept presented by the research model regarding the relationship between BIM social system and the social and economic benefits of a green building project. In examining the suitability between the management of the BIM system and the social benefit and effectiveness of its combination, it emerges that: the closer the BIM performance index is to 1, the greater the social benefits of those involved in the project and the effectiveness. These conclusions are supported by literature on the positive effects of teamwork on project performance [54] and extend it by presenting the effect of social integration on sustainability in a green building project.

### **7. Conclusions**

This study expands the understanding of the importance of social integration through BIM to achieve sustainable green building while introducing a benchmark for BIM socio-technical application to increase green building effectiveness. This importance is presented in a gradual manner through three stages, summarized below.


First, this study outlines a broad concept of green BIM, with reference to the possibility of social integration between green building and BIM. The definition of this reference is made by clarifying the social purposes of this building and the socio-technical capabilities of this system as a background for examining their actual integration. Given the gap, expressed in the absence of effective social-involvement, a BIM management application model is presented based on the CSR concept.

Second, in order to address the need, which has emerged from the literature, to integrate stakeholders into green BIM, and to use it fully in socio-technical integration, the paper has proposed a means of guiding and assessing this integration as standard. This reference is based on adapting the BIM application model to the preferred method for a green BIM project. Following the conceptualization of a project-based organization as a social network by literature, SNA is used to examine the combination of BIM and green building.

Third, through the concrete realization of the application model, this study presents a BIM system index in an attempt to bridge the gap and promote effectiveness in the green building industry. By comparing the actual application of BIM with the criteria of The BIM Integrated Application Standard, using the Green BIM Index, an option is presented to improve the flow of information and assist in the processing of information for all those involved in a green building project. This index is implemented and evaluated in nine case-studies, reflecting a variety of different types and stages of projects. The examination confirms the validity of the index and provides evidence that the more the actual use of BIM fits the proposed standard, the greater the social benefit and effectiveness of the project.

The conclusions of the study, regarding the importance of social involvement through BIM for the success of the green building, may form the basis for further research in the field. Possible research directions may include the assessment of social impact through social networks [55], as well as the use of email log [56] as empirical evidence from industry to validate the Green BIM Index and present its implications in various projects. By using a primary data source for mapping project communication networks, it is possible to compare BIM index-based projects in different industries.

This study presents for the first time a practical and feasible tool for examining BIM integration with green building, in an effort to promote the effectiveness of this combination. The presentation of this index to examine the application of building information management enables the construction industry to examine the social responsibility of green building companies in relation to their stakeholders along the supply chain. As a result, this study may have implications for the perception of a green building project as a sustainable project. In the green BIM projects, which are more socially complex and technologically sophisticated than regular projects, implementing the Green BIM Index, which facilitates stakeholder integration, may be of great benefit to the industry.

**Author Contributions:** R.M.-L. conceived the research, collected and analyzed the data, drafted, and edited. U.G. collected objective data from government projects and reviewed the draft. I.R.—guidance of data analyses, literature review support, revision of manuscript for important intellectual content, supervision. All authors read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors would like to thank the experts who reviewed the manuscript.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
