A university building in North Oxford has scooped an award for environmentally-friendly design from the city council.

The Ruth Deech Building in Woodstock Road was presented with the David Steel Sustainable Building Award.

Forming part of St Anne's College, and named after the institution's former principal, the building was praised for its solar panels and energy efficiency.

The award, which itself is made from recycled glass, is given in memory of council officer David Steel, who died in 2006.

During his time at the council, Mr Steel was well known for his hard work with Oxford's Climate Change Action Team.

A judging panel of councillors and officers praised the Ruth Deech Building for its materials, double glazing, use of solar energy, A-rated domestic appliances and low-energy lamps.

Accepting the plaque at Oxford town hall on Friday, Martin Jackson, bursar of St Anne's, said: "We are delighted to receive this award - particularly as it is associated with David Steel - as recognition of our efforts to have greener buildings.

"We are the first college in Oxford to install solar panels to provide hot water and we now have two buildings doing this very efficiently."

Oxford's Lord Mayor John Tanner said: "The team at St Anne's College has worked extremely hard to make this building environmentally friendly.

"It is an honour to present this award in memory of David and the work he achieved at the council."

John Goddard, leader of the city council, said: "This award is a tribute to David who worked hard on the climate-change issues.

"We have continued with this work and I'm pleased that one of the colleges of the University of Oxford has been recognised."

The council is about to begin preparations for next year's David Steel award, which will be open to any buildings constructed during the 2008-2009 financial year.

For more information visit www.oxford.gov.uk/ environment/award.cfm