BIM-IoT Enabled Blockchain Technology for Embodied Carbon Tracking Within the Supply Chain of Construction Projects: A Conceptual Framework

Purpose
Amidst growing international focus on carbon reduction, embodied carbon (EC) emissions remain inadequately addressed due to fragmented supply chains and data management challenges. This study develops a novel conceptual framework integrating building information modelling (BIM), Internet of things (IoT) and blockchain technology (BT) for comprehensive EC tracking across construction supply chains (CSCs).

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a conceptual framework analysis approach, the study synthesises insights from literature on BIM, IoT, BT, EC management and construction supply chain. A novel BIM-IoT-enabled blockchain-based EC tracking (BIBECT) framework is developed and refined through expert feasibility assessment.

Findings
Leveraging BIM for centralised data visualisation, IoT for real-time data acquisition and BT for secure, immutable record-keeping, the proposed BIBECT framework demonstrates how the synergistic integration of complementary technologies overcomes the limitations of standalone systems. It facilitates dynamic EC monitoring, improves logistics optimisation, enables low-carbon procurement and provides a verifiable “single source of truth” across stakeholders. Beyond technical contributions, the framework offers a structured roadmap for automating carbon reporting and aligning project delivery with ESG benchmarks and regulatory compliance requirements.

Originality/value
Unlike prior integrations that focused on BIM-IoT, IoT-BT or BIM-BT pairings, the BIBECT framework synergistically integrates all three technologies to create a holistic, transparent, tamper-proof and real-time EC tracking system across CSCs. The framework sets the foundation for future prototype development. It also aligns with the “Cup-of-Water” theory, highlighting the interdependence of digital technologies in creating resilient and intelligent construction systems.