Implementing measures of green retrofitting on buildings

Abstract

The construction sector represents the largest source of production of harmful gases with the greenhouse effect. One possible solution to this problem is "green construction" which aims to provide an environmentally sustainable building in terms of design, construction and maintenance. However, the application of the principle of "green construction" in newly designed buildings does not contribute to overcoming the negative impacts of existing buildings on the environment. A logical solution for reducing the environmental impact of existing buildings is "green reconstruction". This paper aims to examine the challenges for implementing green retrofitting in existing residential buildings in order to reduce running costs and achieve a better energy efficient system. Previous studies have shown that the main reasons for the weak application of green reconstruction are found in the nature of the construction itself, insufficient knowledge of the area, high costs involved in the process and in the order of priority in relation to other problems. This study highlights the need to identify appropriate implementation factors for more effective implementation of green retrofit projects.