The award is for its 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 its prize-winning submission, the 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.    

Cllr Julien Pritchard, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is fantastic news and really underpins the excellent work being done across the city. Setting ambitious sustainable planning policies is a bold step, but it is the right thing to do; we must continue to deliver more energy-efficient, high-quality developments.  

“This award is deserved recognition of Birmingham’s commitment to sustainability in the built environment and the progress we are making as a city.” 

The award 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.