Birmingham the only UK city shortlisted for global sustainable city award

Birmingham has been shortlisted for an international sustainability award, and is the only UK city among the three finalists.

The city council has been nominated in the Sustainable City category of the BREEAM awards, which recognise city governments around the world for how they are delivering sustainable buildings. BREEAM is one of the most widely used ratings for the environmental performance of buildings.

Policies that set the bar

The nomination follows the council's planning policies requiring new buildings to meet high standards for energy efficiency and low emissions. In its entry, the council pointed to the number of buildings in the city rated BREEAM Outstanding or Excellent, including the Library of Birmingham, the BBC's base at the Tea Factory in Digbeth and the Paradise development around Chamberlain Square.

At Paradise, the council highlighted Three Chamberlain Square, the newest building on the site, where 100 per cent of site materials were recycled, reused or repurposed and £171m was spent within the local supply chain.

"We're delighted to have been nominated as the only UK city and one of just three finalists in the BREEAM Sustainable City Award category," said Councillor Julien Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council.

He described setting ambitious sustainable planning policies as "a bold step" that helps deliver more energy-efficient, high-quality developments.

The library's long game

The entry also drew attention to the Library of Birmingham, which holds a BREEAM Excellent rating. Now 13 years old, the building has recently been recognised by government surveyors as a UK exemplar of efficient energy use among public buildings. Careful control of its environment also protects nationally important collections, including Shakespeare's First Folio.

Ross Fittall, regional development director at Federated Hermes MEPC, which develops and manages Paradise, said the partners were working with the council to bring low-energy, low-carbon workplaces to the city that support long-term skills, employment and growth.

The winner will be announced by BREEAM later in the year.