The development of Sherford scooped the award for its sustainability credentials, despite being only at the start of its 20-year development.

The Sherford Consortium received the award for demonstrating its commitment to delivering a sustainable community in Devon.

The Sherford development will create a new community and is expected to be home to over 20,000 people, with the first phase of 5,500 homes currently being developed.

CEEQUAL carries out an assessment of projects against a set of strict criteria.

Projects that are submitted for the award must demonstrate significant attention and consideration against several factors, including energy efficiency, materials and waste reduction.

Construction firms including Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Taylor Wimpey will be responsible for delivering the town and have invested more than £1.6m towards eco-friendly initiatives on the site so far.

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“CEEQUAL is an internationally respected assessment scheme and it is fantastic that Sherford’s sustainability credentials have already been recognised,” said Paul Boileau, project manager for the Sherford Consortium.

“Our shared objective is to create a new community which respects and enhances the surrounding landscape, with the first residents already benefiting from sustainable ways of living, including significantly reduced energy supply requirements and energy efficient homes.

“While still being in the first phase of development, we are focused on sustainable building and construction practices and initiatives at every level, working with the local environment.

“This includes looking in detail at the topography and geology of the land, and implementing systems which support the natural landscape, such as sustainable urban drainage systems, wildlife corridors and greenways, while also ensuring residents have access to ample amounts of green space and outdoor areas.”