Integrating Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods with Building Information Modeling Enhances Sustainable Infrastructure

Strategic Insights -

Recent research published in the Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy journal has highlighted the importance of integrating Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in enhancing decision-making in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-based additive manufacturing. The study, conducted by researchers from the Chennai Institute of Technology, found that this integrated approach can improve lifecycle assessment and sustainability in the construction industry. By comparing MCDM methods and highlighting empirical benefits, the review provides practical insights and outlines future research directions to advance digital, resource-efficient, and low-carbon construction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research stated that selecting optimal materials and construction methods is vital for sustainable infrastructure, which is essential for reducing material waste, improving surface quality, and saving labor costs.
  • The integrated approach of MCDM methods with BIM can improve lifecycle assessment and sustainability by reducing material waste by 30%-40%, improving surface quality by 10%-30%, and saving labor costs by 15%-25%.
  • The study highlighted the importance of interoperability solutions like IFC-AM extensions and middleware that bridge BIM and AM tools to enhance decision-making in FDM-based additive manufacturing.
  • The research provided practical insights into the use of AI-augmented MCDM models driven by real-time BIM data to improve lifecycle assessment and sustainability.
  • The study outlined future research directions to advance digital, resource-efficient, and low-carbon construction, including the development of more efficient MCDM methods and BIM tools.
  • Researchers from the Chennai Institute of Technology, including Raja Subramani and A. Gautham Sriram, conducted the study with the financial support of the Chennai Institute of Technology.

Statistics:

  • Material waste reduction: 30%-40%
  • Surface quality improvement: 10%-30%
  • Labor cost savings: 15%-25%
  • Peak years of publication increase in the Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy journal: 2020-2025 (5 years)

Sources:

  • Mcdm Approaches In Bim-driven Decision-making Models In Enhancing Energy Efficiency for Sustainable 3d-printed Infrastructure In the Construction Industry. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 2025.
  • Chennai Institute of Technology, Ctr Adv Multidisciplinary Res & Innovat, Chennai 600069, Tamilnadu, India.
  • Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 2025. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.
  • NewsRx. Findings from Chennai Institute of Technology in Sustainability Research Reported (Mcdm Approaches In Bim-driven Decision-making Models In Enhancing Energy Efficiency for Sustainable 3d-printed Infrastructure In the Construction Industry). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 31, 2025; p 87.