An environmentally-friendly building in Torfaen has scooped a sustainability award.
The Eco-building in Cwmbran has won the CLAW Sustainability Award.
Environment Minister Jane Davidson presented the award during a ceremony in Aberystwyth last week.
The innovative, sustainable Torfaen Council-owned building on the Springvale Industrial Estate is part of the European-funded Encourage project aimed at improving environmental management.
Constructed from timber and insulated using local straw bales, the building is designed to have minimal environmental impact and to demonstrate the use of sustainable materials and building techniques.
Environmentally-friendly features include straw bale insulation, rainwater harvesting, photo-sensitive lighting, recycled cellulose insulation and a small photo-voltaic/wind turbine system.
The Council was also commended for its work on the World Heritage Centre in Blaenavon.
Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for Operational Services, said: "We are delighted to receive the award. We are very proud of the Eco-building which is an excellent example of "green" development."
CLAW is a consortium of Welsh Local Authorities, police and fire services and is concerned with promoting public sector property matters.
The eco-building is used as a venue for environmental seminars, workshops and demonstrations for local businesses. The building is also open to visitors and is available for events.
If you would like any information or if you would like to book the building for conferences email the Eco Building|