Two University of Nottingham buildings have been shortlisted for architectural awards.

George Green Library on University Park and The GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry at Jubilee Campus have been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East Midlands 2017 Awards.

Chris Jagger, Chief Estates and Facilities Officer at The University of Nottingham, said: “We are thrilled that two of our buildings have been shortlisted for these awards.

“We work with talented architects to ensure that our estate is not just fit for purpose but also that the architectural form is informed by and resonates with the activities taking place within the building. We want our students and staff to be inspired by their surroundings.”

George Green Library, which was officially opened by HRH Prince Andrew last week, was designed by Hopkins Architects. The £21m library fully incorporates the original George Green Library extended by a contemporary new build more than doubling the original space and offers study space, language and training rooms together with conventional library facilities for Engineering and Science students.

The Duke of York officially opens the George Green Library

The GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry, designed by Fairhursts Design Group, has been described as a ‘cathedral of chemistry’, showing Nottingham leading the way in sustainable chemistry. It incorporates all the latest developments in sustainable construction and renewable energy provision to ensure that it will have zero impact in terms of embedded and operational carbon over 25 years.

RIBA East Midlands Chair, Valeria Passetti said: “It’s fantastic that eight projects have been shortlisted for the RIBA East Midlands 2017 Awards. The range and diversity of the schemes selected, including two by regionally-based practices, is testament to the inspiring architecture that this region has to offer.”

All shortlisted buildings will be assessed by a regional jury with the winning buildings announced on Thursday 25 May at The Roundhouse, Derby. The Awards will be hosted by BBC East Midlands Political Editor, Tony Roe.

Regional Award winners will be considered for a highly-coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, the results of which will be announced in June. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning buildings later in the year.