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Buildings that put 'green' foot forward win architects' kudos

When Americans contemplate the causes of greenhouse gases and global warming, they may instinctively think of belching smokestacks and auto tailpipes. Architects, however, contend that buildings have a bigger impact on climate change than do industry or transportation. To encourage designs that incorporate natural ventilation, skylights, and other features that minimize consumption of electricity and natural gas, the American Institute of Architects annually gives awards to the nation's most energy-efficient buildings. The winners of this year's AIA Top 10 Green Awards and their locations:

Epicenter, Artists for Humanity Boston
Global Ecology Research Center Stanford, Calif.
Government Canyon Visitor Center Helotes, Texas
Hawaii Gateway Energy Center Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Heifer International Little Rock, Ark.
Sidwell Friends Middle School Washington, D.C.
Wayne L. Morse US Courthouse Eugene, Ore.
Whitney Water Purification Facility New Haven, Conn.
Willingboro Master Plan & Public Library Willingboro, N.J.
Z6 House (single-family residence) Santa Monica, Calif.