Image: Mashable Composite, REDDIT, ESPLENDIDUS

The thought of a sustainable building conjures up images of bamboo and recycled materials, right? Wrong. Many of today’s greenest buildings are also some of the most beautifully designed.

We’ve scoured the globe to bring you 10 buildings that are breaking sustainability barriers while setting new standards in innovative design. From skyscrapers to universities, these modern masterpieces delight the eyes — and respect our planet. Check out the following list, and feel free to share any that we’ve missed:

1. The Edge (The Netherlands)

Considered the world’s most sustainable building, The Edge is the 430,000 square-foot home of Deloitte’s Amsterdam Headquarters and notary firm, AKD. Its sleek, modern design makes it an architectural dream and a carbon neutral one at that. At 98.36%, The Edge recorded the highest ever score for sustainability according to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment (BREEAM).

2. The Crystal (England)

With a design resembling the Opera House in Sydney, Australia, The Crystal is one of the most beautiful structures on our list. But this building isn’t just a thing of beauty, it’s an environmental powerhouse. As the only building to earn the BREEAM “Outstanding” certificate and LEED platinum designation, The Crystal uses renewable energy, runs entirely on electricity and uses no fossil resources.

3. TELUS Garden (Canada)

TELUS Garden in Vancouver, Canada, the country’s most beautiful and ambitious LEED Platinum building, distinguished itself even before its grand opening this month by submitting the highest-ever LEED scorecard to Canada’s Green Building Council. The development includes a state-of-the-art office tower, a stunning residence tower and plenty of retail and community space. Highlights include a community food garden, a rainwater capture system, a district energy system that captures heat from TELUS’ neighbouring data centre to warm and cool the office and residential towers, nearly 300 solar panels, charging stations for electric vehicles, 10,000 feet of outdoor space and 1,000 species of plants.

4. Pixel (Australia)

Having achieved a rating of 105 points — the highest possible LEED rating at the time it was certified — Pixel is still considered by many as the greenest building in the world. The art-forward aesthetic may be an acquired taste for some, but with features like sun-following solar panels, an anaerobic digester (converting human waste into heat) and vacuum flush toilets, we think this building’s innovative sustainable features more than make up for its subjective design

5. The Change Initiative (Dubai)

Another worthy contender is The Change Initiative in Dubai. This retail store not only earned a staggering 107 out of a possible 110 LEED points, but it also walks the walk by selling organic food and eco-friendly home products. Its striking, modern design, both inside and out, makes this building a must-see destination for those travelling to Dubai.

6. Bahrain World Trade Center (Bahrain)

Next on our list is the building with the most striking design, the World Trade Center in Bahrain. This boldly designed structure features triangular peaks that funnel air into three wind turbines built right into the facade. This futuristic building draws up to 15% of its electricity from its turbines, boasts a heat recovery system and solar-powered road and amenity lighting. And did we mention it looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie set?

7. David & Lucile Packard Foundation Building (U.S.)

It should come as no surprise that an organization that is committed to restoring and protecting our planet would also work in one of the world’s most sustainable buildings. The rustic-modern Packard Foundation headquarters located in Los Altos, California is the largest Net Zero Energy certified building, meaning it produces at least as much power as it consumes.

8. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia)

Coming in at number eight on the list is the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. This jaw-dropping 5.5 million square-foot complex is a first for Saudi Arabia and is the world’s largest LEED Platinum project. Comprised of 27 buildings, KAUST uses 100% of its wastewater and boasts annual energy cost savings of nearly 30%. The complex is also an architectural vision, resembling an upscale tropical resort.

9. Green Lighthouse (Copenhagen)

This University of Copenhagen Faculty of Science structure is Denmark’s first carbon-neutral building. In addition to harnessing district heating to power a heat pump, it boasts photovoltaic solar heating, which converts solar energy into electricity. The building’s unique, circular design is as intentional as its name; it was inspired by the sundial and meant to capture maximum daylight — its primary light source — and reflect it through the space.

10. Taipei 101 (Taiwan)

Regarded as the world’s tallest LEED platinum skyscraper, Taipei 101 was (until very recently) considered the tallest building on earth. As if its 101 floors weren’t impressive enough, this building was seven years old when it was upgraded to meet environmental standards.