CABE and the Office of Government Commerce’s Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Awards has this year seen 21 projects shortlisted, ranging from sea defences to light rail stations and museums. Gordon Brown said the public buildings and project’s on this year’s shortlist are excellent examples of good design fostering civic pride. “I am especially pleased to see the emphasis on sustainable design, regeneration and bringing life into communities shown by this year’s selection,” he said. The shortlist includes the new Shetland Museum and Archives (above) which has spurred regeneration of its formerly derelict surroundings.

Liz Green of The Millward Partnerships (TMP) has been shortlisted for the Atkins Inspire Sustainability Award for her work in setting up TMP Sustainability, a new division of TMP that assist low energy projects to be cost effective and offers assistance with environmental regulations compliance. She has also helped to set up GreenAid, a charity that promotes science, engineering and the environment in schools and local communities, and has been involved with Green Street, a Nottingham based eco-housing development.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology Innovation Awards 2008 is open to engineers, scientists and technologists whose work demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. The awards can be for a new concept or the development of existing processes and products and are open to individuals, small teams or organisations. The IET Innovation Awards 2008 Presentation Ceremony will take place on Monday 3 November 2008 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London

ARENA Network has announced the launch of this year’s Wales Business and Sustainability Awards which are sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, WRAP, the Carbon Trust and Envirowise, among others. The winners will be presented with their awards at a satellite-linked ceremony in October, to be held at venues in Cardiff and Wrexham. The Awards are given to Welsh organisations that have succeeded in improving their environmental performance and employ sustainable practices throughout their operation. Applications should be submitted by 27 June 2008

The European Commission is launching an annual European Green Capital Award, to be given each year to a city that is leading the way with environmentally friendly urban living. The launch event was held on 22 May when Environment Commissioner Dimas signed a declaration establishing the award scheme together with Paddy Bourke, the Lord Mayor of Dublin and President of the Union of Capital Cities of the European Union. Cities may apply via an online application form to be selected as the European Green Capital for 2010 and 2011.

London mayor Ken Livingstone’s advisors have come down in favour of living roofs and walls in a technical report which will be published later this year.

A competition has been launched in which streets across the nation will aim to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. The campaign, run by British Gas, is entitled ‘Green Streets’.