Author(s)

Shilei Bai

Corresponding Author

Shilei Bai

Abstract

As China enters the phase of building stock renewal, green retrofits of existing buildings have become a crucial pathway for promoting sustainable urban development and achieving the dual carbon goals. A large number of existing buildings suffer from high energy consumption, inadequate comfort levels, and functional deterioration, urgently requiring renewal and enhancement through scientific design methods. Against the backdrop of building stock renewal, this paper systematically examines the value and significance of green retrofitting for existing buildings. It explores design methodologies across spatial and functional optimization, energy-saving and environmental technologies, as well as smart systems and operational management. Through case studies, it identifies applicable green retrofitting pathways and strategies for diverse building types. Findings indicate that green retrofitting not only substantially reduces energy consumption and enhances user experience but also extends building lifespans while fostering synergistic urban renewal and low-carbon transformation. Moving forward, green retrofitting of existing buildings requires coordinated efforts across policy guidance, technological innovation, and operational management to achieve dual objectives of urban renewal and ecological civilization development.

Keywords

Building stock renewal, Existing buildings, Green retrofitting, Design methodologies, Sustainable development