The accolade comes as The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are set to tour the building today and mark its formal opening.

The British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) has given the building a score of 95.16% – the highest ever awarded.

BAM built the 14-storey structure which includes a double skin façade that acts as a ‘duvet’ to insulate the offices in the winter and ventilate it in the summer.

Euan Sutherland, The Co-operative Group Chief Executive said: “From the outset the Group set very high aspirations for the green credentials of the new building but for One Angel Square to be recognised as the most environmentally friendly building in the world is a truly remarkable achievement.

Ian Fleming, director of BAM Construction, said: “The commitment of The Co-operative to build a truly sustainable building set us a challenge unprecedented in commercial buildings.

“To have achieved the goal with this BREEAM accolade is a testament to the genuinely collaborative approach between The Co-operative, BAM Construction, the designers 3D Reid, Buro Happold and all our partners.

“This synergy combined with new technology and traditional construction skills has created a world class building and a legacy for which the people of Manchester can be proud.”

Gavin Dunn, Director of BREEAM, BRE Global, said: “This achievement of the highest score ever under BREEAM reflects an ambitious vision and commitment from The Co-operative Group and their project team.

“They have created a highly sustainable, extremely low carbon space. An excellent working environment with deep green credentials.”