The dedication and drive of companies in Scotland at the forefront of tackling environmental change has been recognised by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
At a time when Glasgow is preparing to host the COP26 climate change conference, this year’s awards also celebrate the actions and achievements of businesses working towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions.
A multi-agency judging panel recently selected 35 businesses from across the country to receive prestigious Good Practice Awards and praised their commitment to good environmental practice. From that prestigious list, 12 winners will be shortlisted on Friday 17 September for a further ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’.
The announcement has come as part of Scotland’s Climate Week 2021, which runs from 13 to 19 September.
Climate Week aims to raise awareness, showcase climate leadership, and encourage action, building momentum ahead of the UN climate negotiations, known as COP26, coming to Glasgow in November.
Terry A’Hearn, CEO of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and head of the VIBES judging panel said: “In a few weeks time the eyes of the world will be on Scotland as global leaders gather to accelerate the actions required to address the enormous climate challenges we face.
“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 shown Scotland can be at the forefront of finding sustainable solutions to tackle the climate emergency.”
The organisations receiving awards represent a wide range of business sizes, sectors and are from locations across Scotland.
Gillian Bruce VIBES Chair said: “Despite the very significant challenges of the past two years, the high quality of entries has been hugely encouraging.
“It is important that we recognise those who are addressing the urgent environmental issues we face and praise the example they are setting for others.”
A virtual awards ceremony to congratulate the award winners will take place on Tuesday 19 October 2021 at 10.30am.
The event is backed by key economic and business development agencies and leading environmental bodies including The Scottish Government, SEPA, Scottish Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Energy Saving Trust.
The Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Richard Lochhead, said: “Scotland has always been famous for its innovation and pioneering spirit, and businesses and private sector organisations across the country now have a real opportunity to seize the economic opportunities that our journey to a net-zero economy presents – and indeed are already doing so.
“As we celebrate Climate Week and highlight the action being taken to tackle climate change, it is fitting that that these organisations are being recognised for the work they are doing to create more sustainable and climate-friendly business practices. My congratulations go to each of the companies highlighted today and I look forward to joining them at this year’s award ceremony”
The 12 businesses shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ are:
- European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Orkney – the world’s first facility for demonstrating and testing wave and tidal energy converters in the sea and carry out pioneering work in the area of green hydrogen technology.
- Glaze and Save, Perth – magnetic secondary glazing and draughtproofing specialists. Their bespoke magnetic glazing turns single glazed into double glazed windows without window replacement or redecoration, saving energy while reducing waste.
- MacArthur Green, Glasgow is supporting projects that are beneficial to the environment, mostly in the areas of renewable energy, transmission networks, and nature conservation guidance.
- Renewable Parts Ltd, sites in Lochgilphead and Renfrewshire – taking a circular approach to their operations and are responsible for retrofitting and repairing wind turbines throughout the UK.
- The Ethical Dairy, Gatehouse of Fleet, is harnessing natural systems for ecological, sustainability and animal welfare gains.
- Adelphi Distillery Ltd, Glenbeg, Argyle has a low carbon approach for production of whisky including using renewable energy powered stills and a circular economy methodology for waste.
- The Polycrub Company, Shetland, works with the aquaculture industry to reuse and recycle waste pipe. These are incorporated into a material that can withstand winds of 120 miles an hour so is therefore suitable for growing fresh produce in otherwise hostile environments.
- Scottish Sea Farms, Mull, has implemented a number of measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels which have reduced both carbon emissions and operating costs.
- WEEE Scotland Ltd, Glasgow, recycling waste electronic and electrical equipment and machinery.
- Brewster Brothers Ltd, Livingston, has a recycling plant that turns construction, demolition and excavation (CDE) waste into industry standard recycled aggregates and other recycled products to sell back into the construction industry.
- Tennent Caledonian, Glasgow, has invested in a sustainability programme and have significantly reduced energy and water use and their emissions.
- ACS Clothing Ltd, Motherwell, provided the fashion industry with a circular approach that eliminates waste and pollution whilst providing retailers with additional revenue
The Edinburgh Remakery and Lothian Buses are among the 35 ‘Good Practice Award’ finalists.