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Architecture

Greenest of the green: This year's top sustainable buildings

By Adam Williams
April 25, 2016
Greenest of the green: This year's top sustainable buildings
This year's best green buildings selected by the AIA's Committee on the Environment
This year's best green buildings selected by the AIA's Committee on the Environment
View 63 Images
The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
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The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
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The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
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The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
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The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
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The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
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The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
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The Biosciences Research Building in Galway, Ireland, by Payette and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, is a highly efficient technology science research space dedicated to cancer research, regenerative medicine, chemical biology and BSL3 animal research
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
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Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
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Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
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Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
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Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
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Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
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Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
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Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
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H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
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H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
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H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
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H-E-B at Mueller, Austin, TX by Lake|Flato Architects, H-E-B Design + Construction, and Selser Schaefer Architects, is a retail store and fresh food market designed to serve as an environmental test study
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
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Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
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Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
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Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
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Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
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Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
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Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
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Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation in Berkeley, CA, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, is devoted to introducing sustainable design innovation at the center of engineering education and university life
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
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Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
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Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
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Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
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Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
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Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
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Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
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Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
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The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
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The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
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The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
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The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
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The Dixon Water Foundation Josey Pavilion in Decatur, TX, by Lake|Flato Architects, is a multi-functional education and meeting center that promotes healthy watersheds through sustainable land management
The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
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The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
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The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
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The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
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The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
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The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
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The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
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The J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, by ZGF Architects LLP, is a net-zero research laboratory that boasts LEED Platinum certification
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
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University of Wyoming - Visual Arts Facility in Laramie, WY, by Hacker Architects and Malone Belton Able PC, features both wind and solar power
West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library in Berkeley, CA, by Harley Ellis Devereaux, is a net-zero library with highly-efficient insulation, solar power, and natural ventilation
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West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library in Berkeley, CA, by Harley Ellis Devereaux, is a net-zero library with highly-efficient insulation, solar power, and natural ventilation
West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library in Berkeley, CA, by Harley Ellis Devereaux, is a net-zero library with highly-efficient insulation, solar power, and natural ventilation
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West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library in Berkeley, CA, by Harley Ellis Devereaux, is a net-zero library with highly-efficient insulation, solar power, and natural ventilation
This year's best green buildings selected by the AIA's Committee on the Environment
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This year's best green buildings selected by the AIA's Committee on the Environment
View gallery - 63 images

The American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment has revealed its annual pick of Top Ten Green Projects. As always, AIA's selection serves as an ideal opportunity to check out some top-tier sustainable architecture.

All but one of the projects is based in the US (the exception is in Ireland), but each is led by a US architecture firm. Below we've picked a few highlights.

Rene Cazenave Apartments – Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects

Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity
Rene Cazenave Apartments in San Francisco, by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects and Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, includes 120 homes with high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity

San Francisco's Rene Cazenave Apartments (which also involved Saida + Sullivan Design Partners) serves as supportive housing for formerly homeless people. Though the project was under significant budgetary pressure due to its status as subsidized housing for low income individuals, it's still impressively green. This makes good sense both for the environment and the occupants, as energy-efficiency means low bills.

The 120 homes include high-efficiency lighting and hydronic heating, an insulated building envelope, and a rooftop solar canopy that produces both hot water and electricity. A green roof helps manage storm water runoff, as does a water recycling tank and smart irrigation, while the homes are also naturally ventilated and designed to ensure plenty of daylight permeates inside.

Center for Sustainable Landscapes – The Design Alliance Architects

Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site
Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, by The Design Alliance Architects, is designed and built to generate all of its own energy while treating and reusing all water captured on-site

The Center for Sustainable Landscapes is an education, research and administration facility at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh. The building boasts a total of four green building awards: Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, WELL Building Platinum, and Four-Stars Sustainable SITES certification.

Sun tracking studies were employed when deciding the building's placement. Its long and narrow floor plan ensures maximum southern exposure for daylight and solar gain, while also allowing the southerly spring and summer winds to ventilate the inside. At the same time, this layout (and the building's design) minimizes exposure to the frigid westerly winter winds.

The building is rated as Net Zero Water too. This means that all rainfall and sanitary waste is treated on-site via green roofs, a lagoon, an underground rainwater harvesting tank and wastewater recycling system.

Exploratorium at Pier 15 – EHD

Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below
Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco, by EHDD, is an interactive science museum that features some serious innovation in its sustainable construction, including natural daylighting, solar power and cooling by the bay water below

Another San Francisco-based project, the Exploratorium is an interactive science museum that boasts some serious innovation in its sustainable construction.

The project involved the green renovation of a pier warehouse originally built in 1931, retaining its beautiful original windows to ensure ample daylighting. The building also uses the bay water as a means of efficient cooling. This works by drawing the water up from below with electric heat pumps into a radiant underfloor heating slab. In addition, its 800 ft (243 m)-long roof offers room for an impressive 1.3 megawatt photovoltaic array. Rainwater is also harvested for flushing toilets.

Head to the gallery for a look at the other seven winning projects of the American Institute of Architects 2016 Top Ten Green Projects awards.

Source: AIA

View gallery - 63 images

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ArchitectureBuilding and ConstructionLEEDsustainable design
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Adam Williams
Adam Williams
Adam scours the globe from his home in Spain in order to bring the best of innovative architecture and sustainable design to the pages of New Atlas. Most of his spare time is spent dabbling in music, tinkering with old Macintosh computers and trying to keep his even older VW bus on the road.

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NicoleKelly
I love seeing more effort being put into sustainable building. That said, for those of us who live on or above the 45th parallel, its very apparent that designing for the colder climates gets the 'cold shoulder', when it comes to sustainable architecture. Case and point...didn't see a single snowflake in any of these pics.