Green buildings are also called sustainable buildings or green construction, and they refer to structures and in application of a that is resource-efficient and environmentally responsible through the life cycle of the building; from planning, to designing, to construction, to operation, to maintenance, to renovation, and to demolition. Simply put, green building designing involves searching for the balance between the construction process and sustainable environment.
A green building though can be one that is already in existence, meaning that it is possible to convert and old building into a green building though green retrofitting and refurbishments. To retrofit is to modify after manufacturing. This is then a good process to use in turning an old building into a sustainable structure. The idea behind retrofitting is to create changes and modifications to the building itself and/or to the systems within it after it have been built and even when it is presently occupied. Green retrofitting has the objective of improving the building’s performance by using new technology that allows for reduced water and energy usage. To refurbish is to provide enhancements to a building beyond the initial condition in order to make is sustainable enough for more comfortable and efficient living.