A new £80 million science building has been completed on the University of Birmingham's campus.
The complex will provide a base for more than 500 molecular scientists working in research in chemical, environmental and biomolecular fields.
It covers 121,095 sq ft and contains labs, 171 high-efficiency fume-cupboards, lecture rooms, offices and collaborative space.
There is also a two-storey energy centre aimed at mitigating the impact of vibrations on the sensitive experiments and research to be undertaken while heat recovery has been used to reduce energy waste and consumption.
It will be the new home of the university's school of chemistry and also provide facilities for the school of geography, Earth and environmental sciences.
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The university said its aim for the research undertaken there was to help address some of current major scientific challenges such as using materials for energy applications or healthcare, making plastics recyclable and the environmental effects of drugs in the ecosystem.
Director of estates Trevor Payne said: "This building is vital in developing important research and enabling spaces for academic and commercial partnerships to flourish. It also reflects our ambition to create a sustainable and fully connected campus for the future.
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"The building has innovative technology and solutions built into its fabric and we hope it will spark greater collaboration between different teams just by the nature of being in the same building - that's quite often where the best ideas happen."
Solihull-based mechanical and electrical engineering consultancy CPW worked on the project for the university.
Director Antonios Agapakis added: "This has been a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our skills in bringing progressive and sustainable buildings to life which will have a positive effect on the environment and our net zero carbon ambitions.
"It has been a major project involving in-depth collaboration with a number of partners and the result is a world-class facility that can take the university's research in these pioneering fields to new levels.
"We're proud to think that the next generation will be learning from the development of sustainable scientific laboratories in such collaborative environments - it really is the key to all our futures."
Other partners working on the project included Morgan Sindall Construction, Associated Architects, engineering consultancy Ramboll and project management firm MGAC.