Beneficial Effects of BIM For Pre-Empting Waste During Planning and Design Stage of a Building

Efficient waste management practices in construction are pivotal for sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria. The construction industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation through waste generation. This study explores the effectiveness of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in pre-empting construction waste during the planning and design stages. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 340 construction professionals in African Nigeria. The analysis revealed that BIM enhances waste mitigation by improving information sharing among stakeholders, optimizing resource use, and facilitating better project coordination. Notably, factors such as improper project planning and poor workmanship were identified as primary contributors to waste generation. BIM's capabilities in automated waste analysis, improved design documentation, and the use of prefabrication were highlighted as key strategies for waste reduction. The findings underscore BIM's potential to foster sustainable construction practices by minimizing waste and promoting efficient resource management.