Last call to find Scotland’s Green Business Champions

date 24 April 2018

The search for Scotland’s best green businesses is drawing to a close this week with just a few days remaining for companies to enter the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

The awards, which are free to enter, 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 27 April 2018.

Now in their 19^th year, the awards are urging Scotland’s businesses to challenge their everyday working practices and embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability. This could be anything from reducing the use of plastic and empowering staff to make more sustainable decisions to supporting Scotland’s circular economy by identifying how waste materials can be re-used.

As well as saving money and enhancing their environmental performance, businesses employing sustainable practices are reaping the benefits of an engaged workforce, positive working culture and improved competitiveness as well as contributing towards a better economy and society as a whole.

There are nine award categories to choose from including; Management Large, Management SME, Green Team, Sustainable and Active Travel, Circular Economy, Environmental Product or Service, Innovation, Hydro Nation Water Innovation and a Micro Business Award.

A Climate Adaptation commendation is also being introduced this year, in partnership with Adaptation Scotland, and will reward a business that has demonstrated managing climate related risks or has created a product or service to help society adapt.

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. The successful businesses of tomorrow will be those who embrace the economic opportunity of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and through the VIBES Awards, we hope to inspire others to make a difference not only in support of the environment but also to benefit their bottom line.”

The 2018 Awards will be held on 14 November at The Radisson Hotel, Glasgow. Award sponsors to date include Adaptation Scotland, Energy Saving Trust, Greenvale AP, Scottish Government, ScottishPower and University of Stirling Management School.

For more information on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards or to obtain an application form, please visit www.vibes.org.uk.

Ends

Notes to editor

VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland and Energy Saving Trust. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bright Green Business, Quality Scotland and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme.

Issued on behalf of VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards by The BIG Partnership

SRUC match raises £9k for Doddie’s charity

Nearly £9,000 was raised for Doddie Weir’s MND charity in a special rugby match that saw the ‘old boys’ of Scotland’s Rural College enjoy a convincing win over SRUC’s Edinburgh Agrics student team.

Notice: EX17 5DH, Mr David Pennington, Mrs Valarie Pennington and Mrs Elsa Dunn: environmental permit issued

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit and decision document for:

Operator name: Mr David Pennington, Mrs Valarie Pennington and Mrs Elsa Dunn
Installation name: Horwell Barton Farm Pig Unit
Permit number: EPR/QP3337YD/A001

Open consultation: Proposed catch limits for May 2018

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) sets monthly catch limits for quota species to ensure the UK stays within the overall limit set by the EU. These limits apply to all under 10 meter vessels and the over 10 meter vessels that are not in a co-operative (Producer Organisation).

Please contact the MMO if you have any comment to make about the suggested catch limits which will be put into force on 1 May 2018.

Comments to be received no later than 12pm on Thursday 26 April 2018.

Email FMTConsultations@marinemanagement.org.uk

Telephone 0208 0 269 097

The MMO will regularly consult industry on monthly or other catch limits and will, wherever possible, ensure that any representations are taken into account when setting such limits. The MMO reserve the right to alter catch limits and / or close fisheries without prior notice or consultation in the event that such actions are necessary and expedient for the regulation of sea fishing.

Successful return of SRUC Elmwood Alumni golf day

Elmwood Golf Course at Scotland’s Rural College in Cupar recently hosted its second alumni golf day which brought together more than 70 current and former professional golf students.