International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET International Open Access, Monthly, Peer Reviewed, Reputed Journal ISSN (online): 2581-3048

Impact Factor (2025): 6.9

DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Unlocking Sustainability through BIM Integration in Sub-Saharan African Retrofit Projects: A Systematic Review

Chukwuma-Uchegbu, Miriam IjeomaDepartment of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, NigeriaEdom, Ikenna EllisDepartment of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, NigeriaOkereke Chigozie JamesDepartment of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, NigeriaHamza Abubakar DadumDepartment of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, NigeriaOlemgbe Jude ChisomDepartment of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Vol 9 No 2 (2025): Volume 9, Issue 2, February 2025 | Pages: 23-32

International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology

OPEN ACCESS | Research Article | Published Date: 13-02-2025

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Abstract

The rapid technological advancements in the construction industry have underscored the need for tools and regulations in sustainability assessment. To improve the sustainability of retrofits in the built environment, it is essential for governments in Sub-Saharan Africa to establish policies and legislation supporting the effective integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM). However, literature on BIM adoption in Sub-Saharan retrofit projects remains limited. This study reviews 40 articles published between 2009 and 2022 in reputable built environment journals, analyzing the role of BIM in enhancing sustainability evaluations. The findings highlight that most studies focus on environmental sustainability (71%), with economic (15%) and social (11%) aspects less emphasized. Additionally, sustainability evaluation models often neglect critical regenerative factors, such as biodiversity, water conservation, land use, socio-economic impacts, and acoustics. These insights suggest a need for integrating emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, to strengthen sustainability assessments in retrofit projects.

Keywords

BIM Integration, Built Environment, Internet of Things (IoT), Sub-Saharan Africa, Sustainability Evaluation


Citation of this Article

Chukwuma-Uchegbu, Miriam Ijeoma, Edom, Ikenna Ellis, Okereke Chigozie James, Hamza Abubakar Dadum, & Olemgbe Jude Chisom. (2025). Unlocking Sustainability through BIM Integration in Sub-Saharan African Retrofit Projects: A Systematic Review. International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET, 9(2), 23-32. Article DOI https://doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2025.902005

Licence Copyright (c) 2026 International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology creative common licence This work is licensed under Creative common Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 Internation Licence
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