The Role of Digital Technologies in Enhancing Sustainable Construction and Waste Management: A Systematic Review of Emerging Tools and Applications

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to global waste and carbon emissions, intensifying the need for sustainable and efficient waste management practices. This study aims to systematically review the role of digital technologies in promoting sustainability and minimizing construction and demolition (C&D) waste across the project lifecycle. Using the PRISMA framework, peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024 were sourced from databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review focused on technologies including Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), robotics, digital twins, and blockchain. Findings revealed that while BIM is the most extensively applied tool, newer technologies like AI and digital twins are emerging as powerful enablers of predictive waste management and circular resource use. Quantitative results from reviewed studies show waste reductions of up to 57% through BIM and prediction accuracies exceeding 90% using AI models. However, gaps remain in multi-technology integration, regional research representation, and long-term impact studies. This review concludes that digital transformation holds significant promise for driving sustainability in construction, but broader adoption, policy support, and inclusive innovation are essential for realizing its full potential.