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, AIA said Thursday.

The COTE Top Ten Green Projects program, now in its 16th year, is the profession's best known recognition program for sustainable design excellence. AIA said in its announcement that "the program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology."

The announcement includes a list of the winners, with brief descriptions and links to each project.