Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (421)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = resource-efficient building construction

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
31 pages, 2082 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Big Data Adoption for Sustainability in the Swedish Construction Industry: Technical, Economic, and Organizational Perspectives
by Aina El Masry
Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101671 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 65
Abstract
The construction industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions due to high energy consumption in buildings and the production of carbon-intensive materials. Although Big Data is recognized as a transformative tool for improving sustainability by optimizing energy use, resource efficiency, [...] Read more.
The construction industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions due to high energy consumption in buildings and the production of carbon-intensive materials. Although Big Data is recognized as a transformative tool for improving sustainability by optimizing energy use, resource efficiency, and decision-making, its adoption in construction remains limited. This study aims to identify and analyze the technical, economic, and organizational factors influencing Big Data adoption for sustainability and climate neutrality in Swedish construction companies. A quantitative survey was conducted among 150 industry professionals, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, ANOVA, chi-squared (χ2) tests, and principal component analysis (PCA), guided by the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory. The results indicate that the respondents broadly acknowledge benefits such as energy savings, cost reductions, and improved decision support. The PCA revealed two key dimensions—one capturing technical/environmental benefits, the other economic/regulatory benefits—while barriers included standardization issues, limited digital skills, and investment uncertainties persist. The findings suggest that overcoming these barriers is essential for accelerating a strategic and climate-aligned digital transition in construction, offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1034 KiB  
Article
A Novel Crowdsourcing-Assisted 5G Wireless Signal Ranging Technique in MEC Architecture
by Rui Lu, Lei Shi, Yinlong Liu and Zhongkai Dang
Future Internet 2025, 17(5), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17050220 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 101
Abstract
In complex indoor and outdoor scenarios, traditional GPS-based ranging technology faces limitations in availability due to signal occlusion and user privacy issues. Wireless signal ranging technology based on 5G base stations has emerged as a potential alternative. However, existing methods are limited by [...] Read more.
In complex indoor and outdoor scenarios, traditional GPS-based ranging technology faces limitations in availability due to signal occlusion and user privacy issues. Wireless signal ranging technology based on 5G base stations has emerged as a potential alternative. However, existing methods are limited by low efficiency in constructing static signal databases, poor environmental adaptability, and high resource overhead, restricting their practical application. This paper proposes a 5G wireless signal ranging framework that integrates mobile edge computing (MEC) and crowdsourced intelligence to systematically address the aforementioned issues. This study designs a progressive solution by (1) building a crowdsourced data collection network, using mobile terminals equipped with GPS technology to automatically collect device signal features, replacing inefficient manual drive tests; (2) developing a progressive signal update algorithm that integrates real-time crowdsourced data and historical signals to optimize the signal fingerprint database in dynamic environments; (3) establishing an edge service architecture to offload signal matching and trajectory estimation tasks to MEC nodes, using lightweight computing engines to reduce the load on the core network. Experimental results demonstrate a mean positioning error of 5 m, with 95% of devices achieving errors within 10 m, as well as building and floor prediction error rates of 0.5% and 1%, respectively. The proposed framework outperforms traditional static methods by 3× in ranging accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency, achieving significant improvements in environmental adaptability and service scalability. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1103 KiB  
Article
Multi-Objective Cauchy Particle Swarm Optimization for Energy-Aware Virtual Machine Placement in Cloud Datacenters
by Xuan Liu, Chenyan Wang, Shan Jiang, Yutong Gao, Chaomurilige and Bo Cheng
Symmetry 2025, 17(5), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17050742 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 134
Abstract
With the continuous expansion of application scenarios for cloud computing, large-scale service deployments in cloud data centers are accompanied by a significant increase in resource consumption. Virtual machines (VMs) in data centers are allocated to physical machines (PMs) and require the resources provided [...] Read more.
With the continuous expansion of application scenarios for cloud computing, large-scale service deployments in cloud data centers are accompanied by a significant increase in resource consumption. Virtual machines (VMs) in data centers are allocated to physical machines (PMs) and require the resources provided by PMs to run various services. Apparently, a simple solution to minimize energy consumption is to allocate VMs as compactly as possible. However, the above virtual machine placement (VMP) strategy may lead to system performance degradation and service failures due to imbalanced resource load, thereby reducing the robustness of the cloud data center. Therefore, an effective VMP solution that comprehensively considers both energy consumption and other performance metrics in data centers is urgently needed. In this paper, we first construct a multi-objective VMP model aiming to simultaneously optimize energy consumption, resource utilization, load balancing, and system robustness, and we then build a joint optimization function with resource constraints. Subsequently, a novel energy-aware Cauchy particle swarm optimization (EA-CPSO) algorithm is proposed, which implements particle asymmetric disturbances and an energy-efficient population iteration strategy, aiming to minimize the value of the joint optimization function. Finally, our extensive experiments demonstrated that EA-CPSO outperforms existing methods. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6098 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Sustainable Hybrid Formwork Systems Using Life Cycle Assessment and the Wear-Out Coefficient—A Case Study
by Dheepika Baskaran, Umarani Chockkalingam and Renuka Senthil Muthalvan
Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101630 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
The construction sector is swiftly evolving toward more sustainable practices. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is essential for assessing the environmental impact of construction materials. A crucial factor in this context is the wear-out coefficient (WOC), which indicates a material’s reusability and directly affects [...] Read more.
The construction sector is swiftly evolving toward more sustainable practices. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is essential for assessing the environmental impact of construction materials. A crucial factor in this context is the wear-out coefficient (WOC), which indicates a material’s reusability and directly affects the amount of material used during a project’s life cycle. This study contrasts conventional timber formwork with alternative materials, including aluminum, steel, plywood, plastic, and various hybrid systems. The environmental consequences are assessed throughout several life cycle stages—manufacturing, transportation, usage, and disposal—utilizing a 3D building information modeling (BIM)-integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) framework. This method facilitates adherence to green building standards and corresponds with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hybrid Option 2 (timber–aluminum–steel) and Hybrid Option 4 (steel–plastic–aluminum) distinguish themselves as superior choices, integrating environmental efficacy with resilience. Aluminum exhibits the lowest WOC (0.13), signifying its exceptional reusability and lack of environmental impact. The results highlight the need to incorporate BIM and LCA in formwork material planning to improve sustainability, prolong the service life, and maximize resource efficiency in construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 4739 KiB  
Systematic Review
A System Thinking Approach to Circular-Based Strategies for Deep Energy Renovation: A Systematic Review
by Shantanu Ashok Raut, Lia Marchi and Jacopo Gaspari
Energies 2025, 18(10), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102494 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Over 85% of buildings in the European Union were constructed before 2001, contributing to energy inefficiencies, material waste, and increasing socio-economic disparities. While deep energy renovations (DER) are critical to EU climate goals, their implementation remains hindered by financial, regulatory, and social barriers. [...] Read more.
Over 85% of buildings in the European Union were constructed before 2001, contributing to energy inefficiencies, material waste, and increasing socio-economic disparities. While deep energy renovations (DER) are critical to EU climate goals, their implementation remains hindered by financial, regulatory, and social barriers. Integrating circular economy (CE) principles into DER offers a pathway to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability yet requires a systemic understanding of feedback dynamics. This study applies a systems-thinking approach to examine the interdependencies influencing CE-DER implementation. Five thematic clusters—technical enablers, economic and policy barriers, social sustainability factors, environmental considerations, and digitalization for climate resilience—are identified, informing the development of causal loop diagrams (CLDs). The CLDs reveal key reinforcing loops such as innovation investment, policy learning, stakeholder co-design, operational efficiency, and balancing loops, including certification bottlenecks, financial fragmentation, and digital resistance. The findings suggest that CE-DER success relies on activating reinforcing dynamics while addressing systemic constraints through coordinated financial incentives, ethical digitalization, and inclusive governance. By visualizing interdependencies across technical, social, and policy domains, the feedback-oriented framework developed provides actionable insights for advancing socially equitable, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient renovation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings)
Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 19237 KiB  
Article
Research on the Positioning Models and Elemental Guarantees of Convention and Exhibition Buildings in Small and Medium-Sized Cities: Based on Empirical Case Studies
by Yuchen Xie, Jianhe Luo and Peng Du
Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1601; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101601 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 147
Abstract
With industrial upgrading and increasingly diversified urban functions in small and medium-sized cities in China, the demand for convention and exhibition buildings has been steadily rising. However, current research mainly focuses on the planning and operation of such buildings in large cities, with [...] Read more.
With industrial upgrading and increasingly diversified urban functions in small and medium-sized cities in China, the demand for convention and exhibition buildings has been steadily rising. However, current research mainly focuses on the planning and operation of such buildings in large cities, with a lack of systematic and targeted studies on small and medium-sized cities that have relatively limited resources and varied development orientations. According to data collection and field surveys of convention and exhibition buildings in 148 small and medium-sized cities nationwide, this paper constructs a case database and conducts in-depth research on building types and factor guarantee mechanisms. This study first employs cluster analysis to classify 73 typical cases, incorporating comparative analysis from multiple dimensions such as the city’s economic development level, characteristics of the convention and exhibition industry, primary functions, operational focus, service targets, and planning layout, based on literature review and expert opinions. It then proposes four convention and exhibition building positioning models—market type, production-based type, enclave type and comprehensive type—and analyzes the characteristics of their typical cases. Afterward, through surveys, literature reviews, and expert interviews, this study identifies relevant indicators—such as resource factors and development conditions—and applies the importance index method to select 19 core indicators. These are used to establish a factor guarantee indicator system comprising two levels: “city-related factors” and “regional-related factors”. Subsequently, by analyzing the development strategies and core support factors of different building types using the priority diagram method, this study clarifies the resource demands and development paths for each model. The results indicate that the positioning strategy for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities should align with local industrial foundations and stages of urban development, fostering the formation of differentiated and sustainable development models. This research offers theoretical support and practical guidance for the scientific planning and efficient construction of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities, contributing to improved functionality, regional economic growth, and optimized urban spatial structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Building Development and Promotion)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2212 KiB  
Article
A Sustainability-Oriented Framework for Life Cycle Environmental Cost Accounting and Carbon Financial Optimization in Prefabricated Steel Structures
by Jingjing Liu, Hanchao Liu and Yun Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104296 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
The building sector significantly contributes to global resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating integrated approaches to evaluate both environmental and economic performance. This study developed a sustainability-oriented assessment framework—applied in a Chinese context—that integrates life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), [...] Read more.
The building sector significantly contributes to global resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating integrated approaches to evaluate both environmental and economic performance. This study developed a sustainability-oriented assessment framework—applied in a Chinese context—that integrates life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), and carbon financial optimization to evaluate the life cycle performance of prefabricated steel buildings. Using publicly available databases (CEADs, Ecoinvent, and the Chinese Life Cycle Database), the framework quantified cradle-to-grave environmental impacts across raw material extraction, prefabrication, transport, on-site assembly, operation, and end-of-life stages. Emissions were monetized using standardized emission factors and official cost coefficients, enabling environmental costs to be expressed in financial terms. A dynamic financial simulation module was incorporated to assess the effects of carbon price fluctuations and quota allocation schemes. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the influence of key variables such as retrofit investment costs, emission reduction efficiency, and carbon policy scenarios on financial returns. The results show that material production and operational energy use dominate life cycle carbon emissions, jointly contributing more than 90% of the total impacts. Moderate decarbonization investments—such as HVAC upgrades and improved insulation—can achieve positive net economic returns under baseline carbon pricing. This integrated, data-driven framework serves as a practical decision-support tool for policymakers and industry stakeholders. It is adaptable across different regions and material systems, supporting the global transition toward low-carbon and financially viable construction practices. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 1924 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Comparison of Insulation Materials for Timber Building Systems
by Bernardino M. Rocha, Marina Tenório, Jorge M. Branco and Sandra M. Silva
Energies 2025, 18(10), 2420; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102420 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 410
Abstract
The key objectives of both European Union and Portuguese policies are energy efficiency and carbon neutrality in the building sector. Timber construction offers unique advantages in achieving these goals, such as increased productivity through faster and more efficient building processes, using renewable resources [...] Read more.
The key objectives of both European Union and Portuguese policies are energy efficiency and carbon neutrality in the building sector. Timber construction offers unique advantages in achieving these goals, such as increased productivity through faster and more efficient building processes, using renewable resources with lower carbon emissions during production and throughout the lifecycle, and contributions to forest conservation. However, in many countries, timber construction remains underutilised due to concerns about its thermal and acoustic performance, fire safety, and limited availability of raw materials. This study addresses these challenges by evaluating the potential of various insulation materials, including polystyrenes, mineral wools, natural fibres, composites, and acoustic mats, for incorporation into prefabricated timber components. Key performance criteria included thermal insulation, sound absorption, fire reaction, environmental impact, and local availability. Among the materials analysed, glass wool, rock wool, and cork emerged as the most favourable options, offering excellent thermal and acoustic performance and presenting strong results in other key parameters. These findings underscore the potential of incorporating these materials into timber construction systems, contributing to developing sustainable and high-performance building solutions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5733 KiB  
Article
Combining Instance Segmentation and Ontology for Assembly Sequence Planning Towards Complex Products
by Xiaolin Shi, Xu Wu, Han Zhang and Xiaolong Xu
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3958; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093958 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Aiming at the efficiency bottleneck and error risk caused by the over-reliance on manual experience in traditional assembly sequence planning, the urgent demand for deep reuse of multi-source knowledge in complex products, and the growing demand for resource saving and sustainable development, this [...] Read more.
Aiming at the efficiency bottleneck and error risk caused by the over-reliance on manual experience in traditional assembly sequence planning, the urgent demand for deep reuse of multi-source knowledge in complex products, and the growing demand for resource saving and sustainable development, this study focuses on the core problem of the lack of empirical knowledge modeling and reasoning mechanism in the assembly process of complex products, and proposes a three-phase assembly sequence intelligent planning method that integrates deep learning and ontology theory. Method: First, we propose an instance segmentation model based on the improved Mask R-CNN architecture, incorporate the ResNet50 pre-training strategy to enhance the generalization ability of the model, reconstruct the Mask branch, and add the attention mechanism to achieve high-precision recognition and extraction of geometric features of the assembly parts. Secondly, a multi-level assembly ontology semantic model is constructed based on the ontology theory, which realizes the structured expression of knowledge from three dimensions: product structure level (product–assembly–part), physical attributes (weight/precision/dimension), and assembly process (number of fits/direction of assembly), and builds a reasoning system with six assembly rules in combination with the SWRL language, which covers the core elements of geometric constraints, process priority, and so on. Finally, experiments are carried out with the example gearbox as the validation object, and the results show that the assembly sequence generated by the method meets the requirements of the process specification, which verifies the validity of the technology path. By constructing a closed-loop technology path of “visual perception–knowledge reasoning–sequence generation”, this study effectively overcomes the subjective bias of manual planning, integrates multi-source knowledge to improve the reuse rate of knowledge, and provides a solution of both theoretical value and engineering feasibility for the intelligent assembly of complex electromechanical products, which reduces the R&D cost and contributes to the sustainable development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 6510 KiB  
Article
Energy-Efficient Design of Immigrant Resettlement Housing in Qinghai: Solar Energy Utilization, Sunspace Temperature Control, and Envelope Optimization
by Bo Liu, Yu Liu, Qianlong Xin, Xiaomei Kou and Jie Song
Buildings 2025, 15(9), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15091434 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Qinghai Province urgently requires the development of adaptive energy-efficient rural housing construction to address resettlement needs arising from hydropower projects, given the region’s characteristic combination of high solar irradiance resources and severe cold climate conditions. This research establishes localized retrofit strategies through systematic [...] Read more.
Qinghai Province urgently requires the development of adaptive energy-efficient rural housing construction to address resettlement needs arising from hydropower projects, given the region’s characteristic combination of high solar irradiance resources and severe cold climate conditions. This research establishes localized retrofit strategies through systematic field investigations and Rhinoceros modeling simulations of five representative rural residences across four villages. The key findings reveal that comprehensive building envelope retrofits achieve an 80% reduction in energy consumption. South-facing sunspaces demonstrate effective thermal buffering capacity, though their spatial depth exhibits negligible correlation with heating energy requirements. An optimized hybrid shading system combining roof overhangs and vertical louvers demonstrates critical efficacy in summer overheating mitigation, with vertical louvers demonstrating superior thermal and luminous regulation precision. Architectural orientation analysis identifies an optimal alignment within ±10° of true south, emphasizing the functional zoning principle of positioning primary living spaces in south-oriented ground floor areas while locating auxiliary functions in northeastern/northwestern zones. The integrated design framework synergizes three core components: passive solar optimization, climate-responsive shading mechanisms, and performance-enhanced envelope systems, achieving simultaneous improvements in energy efficiency and thermal comfort within resettlement housing constraints. This methodology establishes a replicable paradigm for climate-resilient rural architecture in high-altitude, solar-intensive cold regions, effectively reconciling community reconstruction needs with low-carbon development imperatives through context-specific technical solutions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 9163 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Energy Performance of Rice Husk Fiber Insulation Applied by the Blowing Technique in an Industrialized Modular Housing System
by Karin Rodríguez Neira, Carlos Javier Rojas-Herrera, Juan Pablo Cárdenas-Ramírez, Joaquín Torres Ramo and Ana Sánchez-Ostiz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4602; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094602 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
The construction sector plays a key role in climate change due to its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Developing environmentally friendly building materials with low environmental impact is essential to improving energy efficiency. Insulation derived from agricultural waste is particularly promising [...] Read more.
The construction sector plays a key role in climate change due to its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Developing environmentally friendly building materials with low environmental impact is essential to improving energy efficiency. Insulation derived from agricultural waste is particularly promising due to its low ecological footprint, responsible resources use, and potential for integration into various construction systems. This study evaluates the potential of rice husk fiber as a thermal insulating material applied through the blowing technique in the Skylark 250 modular system. Rice husk fiber was morphologically and thermally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while its thermal behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) alongside a fire behavior assessment. Additionally, energy simulations were conducted to compare the thermal performance of rice husk fiber with other insulating materials when integrated into a building’s thermal envelope. The results showed an average thermal conductivity of 0.040 W/mK, a U-value of 0.17 W/m2K, and a heating demand of 9.56 kWh/m2-year when applied to the modular system. The material also exhibited good fire resistance, with a smoldering velocity of 3.40 mm/min. These findings highlight rice husk fiber’s potential as a sustainable insulation material for modular construction, contributing to energy efficiency and climate change mitigation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 15821 KiB  
Article
The Evaluation of Spatial Allocation and Sustainable Optimization Strategies for Sports Venues in Urban Planning Based on Multi-Source Data: A Case Study of Xi’an
by Dongxu Xiong, Chenxi Shao and Rui Zhang
Buildings 2025, 15(8), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081354 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 399
Abstract
With the development of the economy and improvements in living standards, public demand for sports activities has continued to increase. However, the supply–demand relationship of urban sports venues remains unbalanced in many cities. Existing theoretical research on the spatial allocation of sports venues [...] Read more.
With the development of the economy and improvements in living standards, public demand for sports activities has continued to increase. However, the supply–demand relationship of urban sports venues remains unbalanced in many cities. Existing theoretical research on the spatial allocation of sports venues predominantly focuses on macro-level functional configuration and the equitable distribution of sports resources, lacking more rigorous and quantitative evaluation frameworks for evaluating spatial allocation. This study innovatively integrates multi-source data into the assessment and sustainable optimization of sports venue allocation in urban planning, using Xi’an as a case study. By analyzing geographic information, road network topology, OpenStreetMap (OSM), population distribution, and social media Points of Interest (POI), and using analytical tools such as ArcGIS 10.8 and Stata 17, the appropriateness of resource distribution of public sports venues in Xi’an’s main urban area is evaluated from three dimensions: accessibility, equity, and spatial activity. The results reveal the appropriateness of venue distribution in urban spatial allocation, the equitable distribution of resources, and imbalances in spatial activity and resource distribution. Finally, the study proposes a series of sustainable optimization strategies, including increasing venue coverage in low-supply areas, adaptive reuse of idle industrial buildings into sports venues guided by green sustainability principles, constructing a “15-min fitness circle” spatial system, optimizing low-carbon mobility networks around venues, enhancing the compatibility of sports venues, and improving commercial operation and management capabilities. These strategies aim to optimize the distribution of public sports venues in Xi’an to improve fairness and operational efficiency in service delivery while promoting sustainable urban development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5224 KiB  
Article
A Common Data Environment Framework Applied to Structural Life Cycle Assessment: Coordinating Multiple Sources of Information
by Lini Xiang, Gang Li and Haijiang Li
Buildings 2025, 15(8), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081315 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 398
Abstract
In Building Information Modeling (BIM)-driven collaboration, the workflow for information management utilizes a Common Data Environment (CDE). The core idea of a CDE is to serve as a single source of truth, enabling efficient coordination among diverse stakeholders. Nevertheless, investigations into employing CDEs [...] Read more.
In Building Information Modeling (BIM)-driven collaboration, the workflow for information management utilizes a Common Data Environment (CDE). The core idea of a CDE is to serve as a single source of truth, enabling efficient coordination among diverse stakeholders. Nevertheless, investigations into employing CDEs to manage projects reveal that procuring commercial CDE solutions is too expensive and functionally redundant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small research organizations, and there is a lack of experience in using CDE tools. Consequently, this study aimed to provide a cheap and lightweight alternative. It proposes a three-layered CDE framework: decentralized databases enabling work in distinct software environments; resource description framework (RDF)-based metadata facilitating seamless data communication; and microservices enabling data collection and reorganization via standardized APIs and query languages. We also apply the CDE framework to structural life cycle assessment (LCA). The results show that a lightweight CDE solution is achievable using tools like the bcfOWL ontology, RESTful APIs, and ASP.NET 6 Clean architecture. This paper offers a scalable framework that reduces infrastructure complexity while allowing users the freedom to integrate diverse tools and APIs for customized information management workflows. This paper’s CDE architecture surpasses traditional commercial software in terms of its flexibility and scalability, facilitating broader CDE applications in the construction industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 6704 KiB  
Article
Barriers and Opportunities for the Adoption of Building Information Modelling in the Design of Buildings: Case Study of Oman
by Ahmed Majid Salim Al Aamri, Harry Evdorides and Charalampos Baniotopoulos
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3510; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083510 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 637
Abstract
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is defined as a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics that serves as a shared knowledge resource for stakeholders. BIM is transforming the global Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry by enhancing project delivery, constructability, and [...] Read more.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is defined as a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics that serves as a shared knowledge resource for stakeholders. BIM is transforming the global Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry by enhancing project delivery, constructability, and stakeholders’ collaboration. However, the adoption of BIM in Oman remains limited due to various challenges. This study assesses the current state of BIM adoption, its barriers, and potential opportunities within Oman’s construction industry. A survey of 214 professionals from the public (27.41%) and private (69.04%) sectors was conducted, covering diverse engineering disciplines and experience levels. Data were collected through an online questionnaire on BIM awareness, implementation challenges, and industry readiness. Results indicate that 60% of respondents implied that their organisations operate at BIM levels 0 and 1 as defined by UK-NBS, reflecting an existing reliance on traditional methods. Key barriers include technological limitations (42%), resistance to change (39%), lack of awareness (36%), and inadequate training (41%), with 70% citing high implementation costs as a significant barrier. Despite these challenges, 80% of respondents acknowledged BIM’s potential to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance project delivery. Respondents further indicated that their organisations aim to integrate sustainability and energy efficiency into the design and operate phases over the next five years. This study, among the first of its kind in Oman, highlights the urgent need for targeted training, supportive policies, and government-led incentives to promote BIM adoption and align the local construction sector with international best practices. BIM should be promoted as it significantly enhances project efficiency and collaboration among stakeholders, and reduces costs. Its ability to improve sustainability and energy efficiency aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, making it a critical tool for the development of the construction sector. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Bridging the Literature Gap on eProcurement Systems: Insights from Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Development Transition
by Basel Sultan, Ibrahim Alhammad, AlAnoud AlOthman and Ghayda AlSehli
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3429; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083429 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 514
Abstract
This paper highlights the transition from traditional procurement systems to the newly introduced eProcurement system in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the differences and improvements and their implications for sustainable development. The new system aims to enhance transparency, clarify purchasing methodologies, and build trust with [...] Read more.
This paper highlights the transition from traditional procurement systems to the newly introduced eProcurement system in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the differences and improvements and their implications for sustainable development. The new system aims to enhance transparency, clarify purchasing methodologies, and build trust with the government through effective governance of government purchases and tender management. Guided by Royal Decree, this system aligns with the eProcurement Program to transition into digital processes for proficient bids and government purchases, contributing to more efficient and sustainable procurement practices. While some public agencies have attempted to adopt the new model contract for executing construction projects, it has faced challenges due to its lack of alignment with the best practices and sustainability considerations. The authors argue that many large projects remain exempt from this system, which poses obstacles to achieving the goals of sustainable economic development. The objective of this paper is to explore the newly revised Saudi procurement contracts in comparison with traditional public works contracts, with a focus on how they address socio-economic and environmental sustainability. The research provides an overview of various aspects related to public works contracts (PWCs) in Saudi Arabia, including framework agreements, online reverse auctions, industry localization, knowledge transfer, traditional lump sum contracts, two-phase tenders, and construction project competitions, analyzing their alignment with sustainable development goals. There is limited literature on recent models introduced by the Saudi government, but there are extensive resources on general contract law principles and international public policy. This foundation helps with understanding the legal aspects of public works contracts in Saudi Arabia, their alignment with international standards, and their implications for fostering sustainable development. By examining the literature, researchers can gain insights into the legal and policy framework governing public works contracts in Saudi Arabia and their role in promoting sustainability. The importance of this research lies in its comparative analysis, offering valuable insights into the evolution of procurement practices in Saudi Arabia and their contribution to sustainable socio-economic growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)
Back to TopTop