"These buildings have been spotlighted because they raise public awareness about reducing energy consumption, which is a critical step in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change," AIA CEO Christine McEntee says in a release announcing the list. "Our hope is that existing structures and buildings under new construction follow in the footsteps of Boston's Greenest." As part of the AIA's ongoing "Walk the Walk" sustainability design campaign, a green footprint will be placed outside the selected buildings to reflect the trade association's efforts to cut fossil fuel consumption and achieve carbon neutrality.

Menino vowed that Boston "will continue to be at the forefront of the green building movement," a campaign he maintains is good for the environment and health of building occupants while also keeping operating costs in check. "That is good for the bottom line," he says in the release. The list includes several LEED-certified properties and others recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program.

Properties that have undergone energy retrofits and other upgrades are also in the mix, including One Beacon St., a 36-year-old office tower that owner Beacon Capital Partners has spent $500,000 on to modernize lighting, heating and cooling systems, reduce water consumption and implement an aggressive recycling program. The building was just given a LEED Silver certificate in the existing structures category.