The Senedd was officially opened by the Queen on 1 March 2006 Enlarge Image

The �60m Senedd, officially opened by the Queen on 1 March, has been shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Better Public Building award.

The building has already won awards for its architecture and green credentials.

Design Commission for Wales chief executive Carole-Anne Davies said the nomination was a "huge accolade". The result will be announced in October.

The 14 buildings shortlisted for the award - now in its sixth year - were announced at an event in London on Thursday.

It was won last year by the Jubilee Library in Brighton.

I love the slate and the timber and I'm fascinated by the wind cowl Carole-Anne Davies Design Commission for Wales

Ms Davies said: "It isn't really just about how the building looks.

"[The Senedd] is one of the most sustainable buildings in Europe and its environmental credentials were one of the strongest factors which put this onto the shortlist."

The building has already been honoured by the Building Research Establishment for its "sustainable construction" and has won the Royal Institute of British Architects' award for architecture.

Ms Davies said her favourite aspect of the building was the materials used.

"I love the slate and the timber and I'm fascinated by the wind cowl and the way the funnel works to let daylight into the chamber," she said.

The building was designed with sustainability at its core

She also called the Senedd "exceptional value for money".

The building was designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership, BDSP Partnership and Arup. It was built by Taylor Woodrow Construction.

The renewable energy systems built into the structure are intended to reduce running costs by up to half.

Design features include using the ground as a heat source and the use of wood chips or pellets for the boiler - although an extra gas boiler has been installed for emergencies.