Danso, A. K.; Edwards, D. J.; Adjei, E. K.; Adjei-Kumi, T.; Owusu-Manu, D. G.; Fianoo, S. I. and Thwala, W. D. (2026) Analysis of the underlying factors affecting BIM-LCA integration in the Ghanaian construction industry: A factor analysis approach. Construction Innovation, 26(3), pp. 871-891. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – The integration of building information modelling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) is an effective means of achieving sustainability in the built environment. However, research remains scant on BIM-LCA integration in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). This study aims to evaluate the barriers to BIM-LCA integration in the GCI from the perspective of construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach – Epistemologically relevant theory was developed using interpretivism and post-positivist principles and tested using primary quantitative data. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review identified and examined BIM-LCA integration barriers. Structured surveys of 216 Ghanaian construction professionals collected data on BIM-LCA integration barriers. Data was then analysed using exploratory factor analysis. Findings – Findings revealed three clusters of barriers, namely, organisational barriers; technical complexity; and knowledge and education. These findings identify and recommend solutions to BIM-LCA integration barriers to standardise processes, raise awareness and integrate project management systems. BIM-LCA adoption will increase productivity, sustainability, construction sector employment (and skills development) and economic growth. This paper concludes with future research on how artificial intelligence and machine learning could improve BIM-LCA integration in building designs. Such work would reveal how new technologies can be used to overcome adoption barriers and promote sustainable building. Originality/value – This research provides novel knowledge on the barriers to BIM-LCA adoption in Ghana. Practical recommendations for overcoming these barriers are also proposed, e.g. developing standardised procedures and protocols, increasing awareness and education and integrating BIM-LCA into project management systems.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modelling; design and construction; sustainability and green buildings |
| Index terms: | building information modelling, building design, new technology, productivity, employment, Ghana, construction professional, design and construction, built environment, factor analysis, construction industry, economic growth, project management, artificial intelligence, exploratory factor analysis, interpretivism, skills development, life cycle assessment, literature review, survey, sustainable building, integration, methodology, green building, machine learning, construction sector, complexity |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, innovation and technology management, architectural design, environmental impact, Geography, sustainable construction, economic development, theoretical framing, research methods, data analysis and analytics, artificial intelligence, data collection methods, industry analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, systems engineering, statistical analysis, information systems, organizational analysis, project management theory and practice, personnel development, professional development, management, design practice |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Information Management, Organizational Design, Design Practice, Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Procurement, Sustainability, Project Management, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here