Green Retrofitting: A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Approach to Green Construction

Green buildings can reduce resource use and waste in contrast to conventional buildings yet continue to face challenges like high investment costs and design complexity. Converting existing buildings with green building practices and technologies promotes positive environmental impact, and the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system encourages these buildings to address challenges further with its specified criteria. At CSUN (California State University, Northridge), curriculum development of civil engineering senior design courses has been geared towards improving engineering education, promoting student success, and furthering the goals of green retrofitting and the cost analysis of a conventional residential building. This paper summarizes the findings of this student-oriented investigation with architectural, structural, and environmental aspects. In addition to the various educational advantages of this work, in particular strengthening the knowledge of civil engineering seniors in green construction and LEED certification, the results and findings of this case study can provide further insight into the efficient design and detailing of green buildings.