A GROUND-BREAKING building has received a prestigious commendation at this year s RIC International Awards, fighting off competition from all around the globe The new auction rooms for GE Sworders and Sons in Stansted Mountfitchet was commended in the RIC

A GROUND-BREAKING building has received a prestigious commendation at this year's RIC International Awards, fighting off competition from all around the globe

The new auction rooms for GE Sworders and Sons in Stansted Mountfitchet was commended in the RICS Sustainability Award category.

The cutting edge building scooped the sustainability award for its purpose-built auction rooms made of straw bales and lime plaster.

In addition to being completely eco-friendly, with a bio fuel boiler and rain harvesting roof, clever design has enabled the firm to save 40 per cent on their heating and lighting bills, despite being larger than the old premises by 4000 square foot.

Representatives from the centre were presented with a prize at a gala dinner at the Honourable Artillery Company in London today (October 16).

Regarded as the 'Oscars' of the built and natural environment, the RICS Awards recognise excellence, value for money and a commitment to sustainability.

RICS East operations director, David Potter, said: "Sustainability is at the very heart of the project to create the new auction rooms for GE Sworder and Sons. The build has used some of the most cutting edge sustainable materials and techniques available and the end result it outstanding.

"All of the teams involved in creating the project should be very proud of what they have achieved."

The top RICS International Award winners this year are:

The St Paul's Cathedral Tercentenary Project, London (RICS International Awards 2009 Project of the Year)

Liverpool One, North West (Regeneration)

Bond University, Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, International (Sustainability)

Sacriston Surgery, North East (Community Benefit)

Clavell Tower, South West (Building Conservation)

For more information on this year's awards and winners visit the RICS website at www.rics.org