Abstract The interest in Building Information Modeling (BIM) is increasing among researchers and construction industry players around the world including Malaysia. BIM is known as a technology that has the ability to perform three-dimensional (3D) visualization to eliminate clashes in design, which indirectly reduce rework and construction wastage. Since the Government of Malaysia is currently encouraging BIM, focusing on educating the construction players with reliable information about BIM is perceived as important. Therefore, this study aims to explore the awareness of contractors particularly on the BIM application towards environmental sustainability. A total of 133 responses were received from the data collection process and these data were analyzed to determine the role of BIM in contributing towards environmental sustainability from the contractors’ perspective. The finding reveals that the awareness of respondents is influenced by their knowledge on BIM. Most of the contractors are aware of BIM application towards environmental sustainability, except for reducing rework. In this context, providing or educating construction players on the BIM application towards sustainability aspects is perceived necessary to create awareness and provide a better understanding in anticipation of improved use of BIM in the construction industry.