The first awards to recognize outstanding leadership in sustainable building in Europe were handed out during World Green Building Week, Sept. 16 to 20.

Presented by the World Green Building Council’s European regional network, the inaugural awards were given to real estate investment trust, British Land, Spanish city Vitoria-Gasteiz, and the City Green Court building in Prague, Czech Republic.

“The green building movement is at the forefront of a revolution that is transforming the way people live, work and play – and we congratulate these three outstanding examples of green building leadership,” says Jane Hanley, CEO of the World Green Building Council. “The Europe Region Leadership Awards showcase how sustainable building practices are reducing the ecological footprint of our buildings and cities, while delivering valuable economic and social benefits.”

British Land won in the category of Business Leadership in Sustainability. As of March 2013, it had cut landlord-influenced energy by 38 per cent (compared to a 2009 baseline) and reduced carbon emissions by more than 39,600 tonnes.

The capital of Spain’s Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, was honoured in the category of Leadership in City-Level Green Building Policy. Approximately 15 per cent of the city’s total budget is allocated to improving the environment. Its sustainability policies have delivered a range of positive outcomes, including 45 square metres of public green area per person, 130,000 city street trees and organic farming plots. The city’s long-term aim is to become a carbon-neutral zone.

Recognized in the Leadership in Building Design and Performance category, City Green Court boasts a number of sustainable features, including a natural-ventilated atrium, advanced lighting system and waterless urinals. The building consumes 56 per cent less energy and 25 per cent less water than a typical office building in the Czech Republic.