The Committee on the Environment (COTE) at the American
Institute of Architects (AIA) selected their list of the best
examples of sustainable building design this year. According to
AIA, the awards program, now in its 15th year, celebrates
“projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated
approach to architecture, natural systems and technology.” In
addition, winning green buildings make a ”positive contribution
to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and
reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of
existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact
and regenerative site development, energy and water
conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction
materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.” Many of
the winners optimize daylight, reduce or eliminate the use of
toxic materials, feature high percentages of recycled materials,
enable owners more control over energy and water usage, and
offer energy and water efficiency measures, i