THE green credentials of Worcestershire County Council have been recognised and have put the authority in line for a nation award.

The council has been shortlisted for the Most Sustainable Local Authority in the Public Sector Sustainability Awards, which celebrates organisations that put the environment at the top of their agenda.

This achievement has been welcomed by the council as the environment is one of its four key priorities.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, cabinet member for environment, said: "It's always pleasing to receive recognition of this kind for the sustainability work we undertake and promote across the council and the county.

"Work on improving our environment has obvious benefits but it also makes financial sense and can play a part in attracting businesses and employees to the area in the future."

In order to place the environment at the centre of how council services are run is the authorities carbon management plan, which is working to significantly reduce emissions by the authority by 30 per cent through until 2016.

The Hive is an example of the sustainable building in the county, and has a BREEAM rating, which is the world's foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings, of outstanding.

Schools have also been playing their part and more than 60 have achieved Green Flag status, with three as ambassador schools for the scheme.

And a spend to save fund is also available for corporate and schools sustainability projects, allowing for insulation and solar panels to be installed and paid for over a ten year period at a neural cost, leading to 39 buildings with the energy panels.

Cllr Blagg added: "I'd like to thank everyone involved, including our teams at the authority and the many partners we work with. It's a case of fingers crossed now to see if we can walk away with the highest accolade next month."

The winners will be announced at an event taking place at London's Excel Arena on Wednedsay, November 19.