This nomination follows the city council’s work in promoting ambitious planning policies that require buildings to meet high energy efficiency and low-emissions standards.
Dedicated to celebrating the global leaders building resilient and future-ready urban places, the sustainable cities award from BREEAM considers the work of city governments around the world and how they are delivering sustainable buildings.
In their application for the prize, Birmingham City Council highlighted the high number of BREEAM Outstanding and Excellent-rated buildings which have been built in the city, including flagship projects like the Library of Birmingham, the BBC Tea Factory, and the Paradise development.
Reflecting on the nomination, Councillor Julien Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “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. Setting ambitious sustainable planning policies is a bold step, helping deliver more energy-efficient, high-quality developments. Being shortlisted for this award is fantastic recognition of Birmingham’s commitment to sustainability in the built environment and the progress we are making as a city.”
The latest building at Paradise, for example, Three Chamberlain Square, has attracted major commercial occupiers looking to elevate their working space. With 100 per cent of site materials recycled, reused, or repurposed, and £171m spent within the local supply chain, Paradise shows what can be achieved with sustainable developments.
Ross Fittall, regional development director at Paradise Birmingham developer and asset manager, Federated Hermes MEPC, said: “With low energy, low carbon designs, we are working with the city council and our partners to bring the latest workplace and placemaking spaces to the city that promote long-term skills, employment, growth and sustainability.”
The nomination also highlighted the council's commitment to promoting high energy standards in public buildings, including the Library of Birmingham. Achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating, the library has prioritised energy efficiency throughout its operation, supporting the conservation of nationally important archive collections such as Shakespeare’s First Folio.
Although now 13 years old, the Library of Birmingham has recently been recognised by government surveyors as a UK exemplar in efficient energy use among public buildings. The accolade acknowledges the sustained efforts to operate and maintain the landmark building sustainably for the benefit of its users and the wider public.
Alongside recognising the number of high-quality public and private buildings in Birmingham, the prize also reflects the council’s work to introduce ambitious policies and working closely with developers to support quality work.
