Building Information Modeling for Sustainable Bio-Based Materials in Construction: A Literature Review

Abstract

The construction industry is increasingly pressured to reduce its environmental footprint through the adoption of sustainable materials and digital innovation. This literature review examines the convergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and related digital technologies with bio-based and sustainable construction materials, aiming to enhance environmental, economic, and social sustainability performance. A descriptive search of Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases yielded 94 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and April 2026. The analysis identifies three principal integration pathways: (i) material quantification and environmental accounting through BIM−LCA integration, (ii) parametric design exploration and multi-objective optimization, and (iii) life cycle coordination via digital twins and automated fabrication. BIM was identified in 62 of 94 publications (66%), making it the dominant technology, followed by LCA (35 publications, 37%) and digital twins (25 publications, 27%). Findings indicate that BIM functions as a central enabling platform, improving material traceability, design accuracy, and decision-making quality particularly by managing the inherent variability of bio-based materials through moisture-dependent parameters, sourcing data, and performance monitoring. While environmental sustainability—particularly embodied carbon reduction—dominates the literature, economic and social dimensions remain underexplored, appearing in less than 1.1% of reviewed studies. The review also highlights persistent barriers, including data interoperability issues, high upfront costs, limited material databases, and skill gaps. Drawing on socio-technical systems theory, a conceptual framework is proposed to illustrate the interdependencies between digital capabilities, bio-based material strategies, and sustainability outcomes. A three-stage implementation roadmap is outlined to support practitioners in adopting BIM-enabled bio-based workflows. The review concludes that the synergy between digital technologies and renewable materials offers a promising trajectory toward circular, low-carbon construction, but calls for more longitudinal empirical research, standardized sustainability metrics, and integrated assessment frameworks that encompass social and economic considerations alongside environmental performance.