Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to both a structure and the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.

1. Optimize the Site Potential.

2. Protect and Conserve Water.

3. Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ).

4. Optimize the Use of Materials and Space.

5. Optimize Energy Use.

Green buildings help reduce negative impacts on the natural environment by using less water, energy, and other natural resources; employing renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials; and reducing emissions and other waste.

1. Bamboo

2. Reclaimed or Recycled Steel

3. Straw Bales

4. Smart Glass Windows

5. Mudbrick

6. Concrete Alternatives

7. Ashcrete

8. Hempcrete

9. Timbercrete

10. Sandcrete

11. Grasscrete

12. Woodcrete

13. Composite roofing shingles

14. Recycled plastic

15. Cork

16. Insulated concrete framing

17. Wool for insulation

18. Ferrock

19. Mycelium (fungi root)

20. Rammed earth

21. Reclaimed wood

Water conservation during the whole life span of a building can be achieved by designing dual plumbing that recycles the water used in water closets and the water used to wash cars, using water efficient fittings and fixtures such as ultra-low flushing toilets, bidets and low flow shower heads.

Energy-efficient buildings reduce operational costs and energy bills for building occupants. Utilizing renewable energy can help achieve net-zero energy buildings. Renewable energy technologies often have lower maintenance costs and longer lifespans compared to traditional systems.

Waste Reduction: Waste reduction strategies such as source reduction, reuse, and recycling can help to minimize the amount of waste generated during construction.

Green building features energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and improved indoor environments. Green buildings reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and provide economic benefits. Sustainable urban planning embraces compact development, public transportation, green spaces, and social equity.

Many product certifications are also recognized within comprehensive green building rating systems such as LEED, Green Globes, BREEAM, and the National Green Building Standard

Green retrofits offer significant cost savings through improved energy efficiency. Enhanced indoor air quality and increased property value are additional benefits of sustainable retrofits. Key features of green retrofitting include energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy integration, and smart building automation.