The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored at the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition in San Francisco. The 2009 COTE Top Ten Green Projects program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They 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.

“In architecture, performance and aesthetics are inextricably linked. The COTE Top Ten is one of the very few awards that evaluates performance and design,” said jury members. “Other awards and organizations look strictly at performance without care for how a building looks.”

The winners are:

Charles Hostler Student Center, Beirut, Lebanon by VJAA

Chartwell School, Seaside, CA by EHDD Architecture

Gish Apartments, San Jose, CA by OJK Architecture and Planning

Great River Energy Headquarters, Maple Grove, Minnesota by Perkins+Will

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC), Evanston, Illinois by Ross Barney Architects

Portola Valley Town Center, Portola Valley, CA by Co-Architects: Siegel & Strain Architects; Goring and Straja Architects

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange, Texas by Lake|Flato Architects

Synergy at Dockside Green, Victoria, British Colombia by Busby Perkins+Will Architects Co.

The Terry Thomas, Seattle, WA by Weber Thompson

World Headquarters for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Yarmouth Port, MA by DesignLAB Architects