Green building refers to the practice of creating structures and employing processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life cycle—from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.
A retaining wall is a structure designed to restrain soil to a slope that it would not naturally keep to (typically a steep, near-vertical, or vertical slope). They are frequently used in landscaping, construction, and flood prevention to prevent the erosion of soil and manage water runoff.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization that offers LEED certification for green buildings, along with educational resources and a network of chapters and affiliates to support environmentally sensitive construction.
