A landmark library has won a prestigious environmental award.

Brighton's Jubilee library, which opened in March 2005, was awarded Green Hero status in the national Green Apple awards as an example of environmental excellence in public buildings.

The library is one of the most eco-friendly public buildings in the country and has won many other awards for its architecture and sustainable features.

Councillor Joyce Edmond-Smith, of the city's Sustainability Commission, accepted the "Green Heroes 2006" plaque on behalf of the council on Monday.

She said: "It is wonderful for the library, and the council, to receive this prestigious award.

"The success of this building continues to set an important environmental example to architects and developers throughout the country.

"We have a responsibility to ensure a sustainable future. With this in mind, a series of robust measures from the council's Climate Change Action Plan will be introduced in the coming years to help reduce congestion and pollution, increase recycling and promote the use of renewable energy."

The council's Energy Action Partnership won a Green Apple Award last year for the work of its Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, which administers partnership grants and free advice to promote energy saving in households and businesses.