Scottish businesses championing sustainability are in the spotlight as entries open for the 2024 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
Now in their 25th year, the VIBES awards encourage businesses to show vision and leadership in tackling climate change and other environmental challenges. They also aim to enhance environmental performance and showcase those supporting the wider social and economic benefits of sustainability.
The opening of the competition was marked at the Scottish Parliament last night (Wednesday 28th February 2024), where the outstanding achievements of last year’s winners were applauded by attendees including industry leaders and MSPs. An address was also given by Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero, and Energy.
Previous winners showcased included ReBlade, a Glasgow and Dumfries based company demonstrating how turbine blades can be dealt with responsibly. Through research and evidence, ReBlade prove that wind energy generation waste can be repurposed, confirming economic viability in decommissioning windfarms sustainably.
Fiona Lindsay, Managing Director at ReBlade said: “Businesses and organisations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate positive environmental impact, and rightly so.
“The way we do business has a huge impact on the world around us, and it makes good business sense to interrogate processes and operations to minimise environmental and climate impacts. For ReBlade taking part in the VIBES awards has been a wholly positive experience and I’d definitely encourage other businesses to consider applying.”
The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between multiple organisations including the SEPA, the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and Zero Waste Scotland. VIBES is also supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Scotch Whisky Association, Bright Green Business and Prosper.
Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of SEPA, added: “As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.
“It is truly inspiring to see the achievements of these businesses towards a sustainable future. Their commitment is not only commendable but serves as a beacon for others in the business community to embrace environmentally responsible and innovative practices.
“We know there are many more businesses on the frontline of the net zero transition, continually demonstrating their unwavering commitment. The VIBES awards prove their efforts matter, and I would strongly urge as many of them as possible to enter this year and receive the recognition they deserve.”
Categories open for entries this year include the Vision in Business Scotland Award for companies that clearly set out their strategy, policies, and systems that enable continuous sustainability improvements and contribute to Scotland’s net zero carbon ambition.
Judging will take place over the summer, with a shortlist confirmed in September and the winners revealed at a ceremony in November.