A LANDMARK building at Essex University has been shortlisted in an awards scheme for being "inspirational".

Essex Business School is thought to be the UK’s first zero-carbon business school and has been shortlisted for a gong in the Guardian University Awards.

The building is constructed around a central winter garden and has an Eden Project-style roof and its own micro-climate.

It provides a range of spaces including a virtual Bloomberg trading floor with access to Bloomberg business data, group learning spaces and dedicated postgraduate facilities.

Its sustainable features - which help to make it zero-carbon - include a rainwater collection pond, ground source heat pumps, solar panels, grass roofing and efficient lighting.

In 2016 the building won the design through innovation category of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors East of England Awards.

Professor Geoffrey Wood, Head of Essex Business School, said: “Essex Business School is a symbol of our university’s vision for growth, excellence and sustainability.

"It is an inspirational building not just because of its innovative design but because it is a gateway to the outstanding educational experience the school aims to deliver and a gateway for external businesses and organisations wanting to work with our researchers.”

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 29.