The building sector plays a key role in the global economic, social and environment development. The energy consumed during construction and operation processes accounts for around 40% of the global energy use. China is the largest developing country and its construction market is one of the largest markets in the world. Although the construction phase occupies only a short period over the entire life cycle of a building, it is still an essential aspect of the process. However, in China, the concept of green construction remains scarcely known amongst construction industry members. Green construction continues to experience a disparity in the Chinese construction industry.  Therefore, the aim of this study is to appraise the concept of green construction in the Chinese construction industry and to consider how it could be applied in most Chinese construction projects.