Scotland’s sustainable businesses leading the UK at European Awards

10 May 2018

Scotland’s sustainable businesses will be leading the way for the UK on the European stage later this year with 10 out of the 11 UK businesses shortlisted for the 2018 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) from Scotland.

Some of Scotland’s most progressive and innovative companies from a wide range of sectors including food and drink, hospitality, transport, recycling and security sectors will represent the UK at the prestigious awards to be held in Autumn this year.

Each company has been selected following their success at the Scottish Government and Scottish Environment Protection Agency backed VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, and include; EC-OG, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Farne Salmon and Trout Ltd, Guala Closures UK, Glenuig Inn, Jaw Brew, John Lawrie (Aberdeen) Limited, Marlin Industries Scotland Ltd, Paterson Arran and Veracity UK Limited.

The award-winning companies showcase the example Scotland’s businesses are setting when it comes to tackling the effects of climate change. This include Jaw Brew’s circular, restorative approach to managing resources by using surplus morning rolls to produce its Hardtack beer whilst Farne Salmon’s innovative approach has seen them invest in a recycling plant that enabled them to turn a cost into a new income stream.

In total 11 UK companies were put forward by The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA) Environment Awards Forum to represent the UK in the EBAE which are open to 28 member states. EnTrade joins the list of nominees.

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said: “Congratulations to these businesses who are using their creativity to come up with ways of reducing emissions and helping to show Scotland’s leadership on climate change.

“The Scottish Government has a clear vision for a low carbon Scotland. We want to build a country which trains, attracts and retains the businesses and the innovators who will shape the low carbon transition. I hope these businesses will encourage others to think innovatively about how we can create a cleaner, greener, climate-ready Scotland.”

Terry A’Hearn, CEO of SEPA, said: “The scale of environmental challenge facing humanity is enormous, with a real urgency to act.  Scotland is a global leader in its commitment to tackling climate change, in protecting and enhancing our environment, in strengthening our international reputation for sustainable growth and in supporting a transition to low-carbon economy.  Scottish businesses have recognised the economic opportunity, reflected in the fact over 90% of the UK delegation are from Scotland and the SEPA backed VIBES programme.

“I would like to congratulate all of the nominated companies for their success in reaching this stage of the EBAEs and wish them every success in the competition.”

The EBAE recognises outstanding, new or innovative contributions to sustainable development and the UK finalists will compete against winners from 28 other countries.

Each member state can put forward a maximum of 12 entries to the awards with UK entrants selected from the winners and runners up of RSA Accredited award schemes, including Scotland’s VIBES Awards which is the only Scottish based RSA Accredited Awards.

For further details about the Awards visit: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/awards/about_ebae.html

For further details about the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, please visit: http://www.vibes.org.uk/

Ends –

Notes to editors:

A complete list of the 11 companies representing the UK as finalists in the European Business Awards for the Environment is as follows:

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