COUNCILLOR Anne Reid checks out work at York’s EcoDepot, which has won an environmental accolade, as driver Martin Potter hoses down his mini road sweeper.

The straw-clad EcoDepot has been named as one of Europe’s most environmentally-friendly buildings.

The depot, off James Street, has been given a rating of “very good” by the international Buildings Research Establishment.

Its score of 65.9 per cent was totted up during an assessment of the building’s environmental credentials.

The EcoDepot, which is owned by City of York Council, uses 76 per cent less energy than a traditional air-conditioned office and uses a grey-water recycling system for washing council vehicles. Terry Collins, the council’s director of neighbourhood services, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the EcoDepot has been given this rating, which recognises the effectiveness of its design and operation.”