The hard work and commitment of six Edinburgh companies at the forefront of environmental change in Scotland has been recognised by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
Vegware, which manufactures compostable foodservice packaging; Edinburgh Leisure; leading leisure provider and charity organisation encouraging communities to get active, Leith Community Crops in Pots, which encourages urban food growing; TownRock Energy, a geothermal energy consultancy; Mercat Tours Ltd, a walking tour company encouraging environmentally friendly tourism, and Envipco UK, manufacturers of deposit return reverse vending machines – have all been included in the shortlist for the prestigious awards, which are focused on inspiring companies to play their part in meeting Scotland’s ambition to be a world leader on tackling climate change.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the awards and finalists have been selected across eleven award categories which recognise the various ways sustainable best practice can be implemented.
They include examples of good practice in the following categories: Leadership Scotland, Innovating Scotland, Product Scotland, Service Scotland, Hydro Nation Scotland, Circular Scotland, Moving Scotland, Adapting Scotland, Engaging Scotland, Partnership Scotland and Small Business Scotland.
As part of this year’s anniversary celebrations, a special Best of VIBES Award will also be presented to a past winner that has demonstrated an ongoing contribution to sustainable development by embracing new practices and constantly reviewing its systems so that it remains environmentally focused.
Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “The scale of environmental challenges facing humanity is enormous, with a real urgency to act. The successful businesses of tomorrow will be those who embrace the economic opportunity of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
“VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, linked to SEPA’s ambitious ‘One Planet Prosperity’ strategy, recognise Scotland’s leading businesses who show a real commitment to sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition.
“I would like to congratulate all the finalists who have been recognised by the VIBES Awards and I look forward to announcing the winners in due course.”
Environment Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “My congratulations go to the businesses who have been shortlisted for this year’s VIBES awards. We are all aware of the urgent environmental issues affecting our planet and business has a vital role to play in Scotland’s continuing journey to a net-zero society.
“It is important that we recognise those who are leading on action to develop sustainable solutions and environmental practices while seizing the economic benefits of embracing a vibrant and innovation circular economy.”
Award sponsors include Adaptation Scotland, Chivas Brothers-Pernod Ricard, Farne Salmon and Trout, Mabbett, ScottishPower, Glenmorangie, The Scottish Government, Travel Know How Scotland, University of Stirling Management School, Wave Utilities.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 14 November at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Glasgow.
For more information on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards please visit www.vibes.org.uk
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