Building Information Modeling for Advancing Occupant’s Health through Green Certifications and Indoor Environmental Quality

The integration of advanced digital technologies, particularly Building Information Modeling (BIM), is transforming the design, construction, and operation of buildings aiming to create more sustainable, comfortable, high performing and safer built environments. This study investigates the intersection of BIM, sustainability certification frameworks (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, WELL, etc.), and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) categories, emphasizing their combined role in advancing health-focused sustainability standards in work environments. Through a synthesis of previous studies, this research examines how BIM streamlines the processes associated with green building certifications by automating evaluations of key IEQ categories. The analysis categorizes results into four subcategories of IEQ: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Thermal Comfort, Visual Comfort, and Acoustic Comfort. IAQ focuses on pollutant reduction, ventilation, and air quality monitoring for occupant health. Thermal Comfort ensures optimal temperature and humidity through HVAC design and passive strategies. Visual Comfort optimizes natural and artificial lighting to enhance well-being and reduce energy consumption. Acoustic Comfort minimizes noise through insulation and absorption materials. These subcategories enhance “Healthy Building” while advancing sustainability goals, which align with both IEQ-related certifications and European Union policies (Agenda 2030). Their implementation highlights BIM’s potential to mitigate risks linked to poor air quality, inadequate lighting, and thermal and acoustic discomfort, directly impacting occupant well-being. Despite its significant potential, challenges remain in standardizing BIM workflows to incorporate diverse IEQ parameters across certification systems. The absence of comprehensive frameworks for aligning advanced BIM models with health-focused certification requirements highlights the need for further research and interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging the gap between sustainability frameworks, digitalization, and IEQ improvements, this study provides actionable insights into how BIM can transform workplace health and sustainability standards. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging BIM as a tool to achieve compliance with green building certifications while advancing occupant well-being and health in work environments.