As it does every year at this time and just in time for Earth Day, the AIA and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have announced the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design. 

In the past year, we've mentioned over half of them  — 355 11th Street, Sacred Heart Schools, Kroon Hall, Twelve West, and Omega Center — but they all exhibit a "thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology" and "make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts."

You can read extensive case studies of each project on the AIA COTE website or read summaries in the press release issued earlier today.  Check out some of the greatest and greenest work being produced these days.  

355 11th Street
By Aidlin Darling Design (credit: Matthew Millman)

Homer Science & Student Life Center
By Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects (credit: the architects)

K.A.U.S.T.
By HOK (credit: J. Picoulet)

Kroon Hall
By Centerbrook Architects and Planners; Hopkins Architects (credit: Morley von Sternberg; Derek Hayn, Centerbrook)

Manassas Park Elementary School + Pre-K
By VMDO Architects, P.C. (credit: VMDO Architects & Prakash Patel)

Manitoba Hydro Place
By Smith Carter; KPMB Architects (credit: Eduard Hueber, Tom Arban)

Omega Center for Sustainable Living
By BNIM Architects (credit: Assassi)

Special No. 9 House
By John C. Williams Architects; KieranTimberlake (credit: John C. Williams Architects)

Twelve West
By ZGF Architects LLP (credit: Tim Hursley)

Watsonville Water Resource Center
By WRNS Studio LLP (credit: Bruce Damonte)

Here's last year's top ten green projects for more … Which is your favorite?