Benjamin Banneker Academic High School received a 2026 AIA COTE Top Ten Award at the AIA26 Awards Gala in San Diego on June 10, 2026. The project marks the second consecutive year that a Perkins Eastman-designed school has earned the prestigious recognition, following John Lewis Elementary School’s win in 2025.
Located in Washington, D.C., Benjamin Banneker and John Lewis are the first two DC Public Schools to achieve net zero energy. Together, they demonstrate an innovative energy-sharing strategy: excess renewable energy generated by John Lewis helps offset deficits at Banneker, whose compact urban site limits on-site energy production. Both schools are LEED Platinum certified, while John Lewis has also earned WELL Platinum and ILFI Zero Energy certification.
Both schools’ performance extends beyond sustainability. Through extensive community engagement, pre-occupancy planning, and post-occupancy evaluation, Perkins Eastman designed learning environments that support student well-being and strengthen their surrounding neighborhoods. Serving predominantly Black communities in Washington, D.C., both schools provide high-quality educational spaces that foster academic success while delivering measurable environmental performance.
Press Contact: Erin Ryder