AN energy-saving project led by researchers at Oxford Brookes University has been shortlisted for a prestigious architecture award.

The research project involved the monitoring of how efficient the Bicester's Town Council officers at Garth House were before and after it underwent a major energy-saving refurbishment.

The entire energy saving scheme has now been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President's Awards for Research 2016.

Professor Rajat Gupta, Director of the Low Carbon Building Group at Oxford Brookes University said he was "delighted" the university's research which was involved in the project had been recognised.

He said: “The shortlisting has recognised the value of addressing the dual challenges of achieving energy efficiency in historic buildings.

Dr Kat Martindale, Head of Research and Innovation at RIBA said: “We were thrilled to receive so many research projects this year, and from all over the world.

"The work submitted provides a glimpse of the global workings and interactions of architects, students and academics but it has been the number of collaborations that have stood out this year.”

This year, a record-breaking 75 submissions were received from 14 countries around the world for the award.

The award winners will be announced at a special ceremony on December 6.