Birmingham City Council has been shortlisted for the BREEAM Sustainable City Award, the only UK council nominated in the category and one of just three finalists worldwide.
The nomination recognises the council's work promoting planning policies that require buildings to meet high energy efficiency and low-emissions standards. BREEAM's sustainable cities award celebrates city governments delivering sustainable buildings globally.
Buildings highlighted in the nomination
In its application, Birmingham City Council highlighted several high-profile buildings that have achieved BREEAM Outstanding and Excellent ratings in the city. These include the Library of Birmingham, the BBC Tea Factory, and the Paradise development.
Three Chamberlain Square, the latest building at Paradise, recycled, reused, or repurposed 100 per cent of site materials and spent £171m within the local supply chain. The building features low energy and low carbon designs.
The Library of Birmingham, now 13 years old, holds a BREEAM Excellent rating. Government surveyors recently recognised it as a UK exemplar in efficient energy use among public buildings. The library prioritises energy efficiency to support conservation of its archive collections, including Shakespeare's First Folio.
Council recognition
Councillor Julien Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said the nomination reflects the council's commitment to sustainability in the built environment. He described setting ambitious sustainable planning policies as "a bold step" delivering more energy-efficient, high-quality developments.
Ross Fittall, regional development director at Paradise developer and asset manager Federated Hermes MEPC, said the company was working with the city council and partners to bring low-carbon workplace and placemaking spaces to the city.
