23 April 2019
The search for Scotland’s best green businesses is drawing to a close with just a few weeks remaining to enter the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards and companies across Scotland are being encouraged to enter.
The awards, which are celebrating their 20th anniversary, are calling on businesses of all sizes and sectors across Scotland who are implementing sustainable practices to get in touch and apply before 5pm on Friday 10 May 2019.
To help interested businesses find out more, a series of free roadshows are being held across Scotland and local companies are invited to find out more about the economic benefits of good environmental practices as well as hear from previous winners and receive support on the application process.
Since its inception in 1999, the VIBES Scottish Business Awards, have recognised and rewarded more than 150 businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources. This has included everything from increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach.
Commenting, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, said: “We are all aware of the urgent environmental issues affecting our planet, and businesses across Scotland have a vital role to play in helping to safeguard it for future generations.
“I look forward to the VIBES Awards celebrating those businesses that are leading on developing sustainable solutions and environmental practices while embracing a vibrant and innovative circular economy.”
This year’s award categories include: Leadership Scotland, Innovating Scotland, Product Scotland, Service Scotland, Hydro Nation Scotland, Circular Scotland, Moving Scotland, Adapting Scotland, Engaging Scotland, Partnership Scotland, Small Business Scotland.
As part of this year’s anniversary celebrations, a special Best of VIBES Award will also be presented at the official ceremony and will recognise a past winner – from a shortlist of the 10 best entries – that can demonstrate their continuous improvement and contribution to Scotland’s sustainable development.
Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, added: “The scale of environmental challenges facing humanity is enormous and there is a real urgency to act in light of what science is showing us.
“Businesses have a responsibility and it’s empowering to see so many organisations no longer viewing climate adaptation and environmental performance as a burden and cost but as an economic opportunity – it is these businesses that will thrive. We want to help Scottish businesses respond to these environmental challenges and reap the benefit and as we enter the 20th year of VIBES, we hope to inspire others to instigate change.”
The 20th anniversary awards ceremony will be held on 14 November at Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow. Award sponsors to date include Adaptation Scotland, Mabbett & Associates Ltd, Scottish Government, ScottishPower, The Glenmorangie Company and headline sponsor, Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard.
To obtain an application form please contact vibes@sepa.org.uk.
For more informant on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, please visit www.vibes.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
A series of free VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are being held at the following:
- 26th April 12 to 2pm – Glasgow at the Virgin Money Lounge (Glasgow, G1 3BJ)
- 29th April 5 to 7pm – Inverness at the Mercure Inverness Hotel (Inverness, IV1 1DX) run in partnership with the Glenmorangie Company and the Institute of Directors (IoD) – this event includes a whisky tasting.
- 1st May 3 to 5pm – Edinburgh at the IoD office (Edinburgh, EH2 4DR) run in partnership with the Institute of Directors
- 2nd May 4 to 6pm – Ayr kindly hosted by Albion Environmental (Ayr, KA88 9ER)
Regional event spaces can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk
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