WASHINGTON — Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recognizes 10 buildings for superior sustainable design. The awards measure energy and water use, materials, resilience, economic impact and ease of access to public transportation. The awards were presented on April 22 this year to coincide with Earth Day. The top three winners in 2017 were the Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, Va., Bristol Community College in Fall River, Mass., and Stanford University’s Central Energy Facility in Palo Alto, Calif.
The Brock Environmental Center was recognized for its support of wetlands restoration and education initiatives— the facility being located with view of a local marsh — as well as its use of salvaged buildings materials. The building also has composting toilets, a rainwater catchment and treatment system for drinking water, and produces 80 percent more energy than it needs. Read more for the full list of the top 10 buildings to be recognized for sustainable design.