Scottish businesses urged to get green and boost their bottom line
Businesses in Scotland are being urged to act now to embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
Article Source: VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards
Last Updated: 15 March 2018 14:45
The leading environmental awards underlined the need for urgent action to address the environmental challenges currently faced as well as highlighting the potential business benefits which this can deliver.
New research from the awards, which are now open, found that 81% of previous finalists and winners who had already implemented environmental improvements had also seen significant financial benefits with 44% saving more than £10,000 and 17% saving over £50,000 in a year.
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.
This is something that organisers want to bring to the attention of Scotland’s businesses through the annual awards which aim to recognise and reward businesses that are championing sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources. This could be anything from increasing recycling and waste management to reducing utility consumption.
Commenting, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, said: “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. We have been proud partners of VIBES for almost 20 years, and events such as this are important for the celebrating the positive connections which exist between our environment and economy.”
Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, added: “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.
“Each year the Scottish Government and SEPA backed VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards present a national platform to showcase Scottish business leadership. But more than that, the awards benefit not only the environment, but the bottom line of organisations showing vision on sustainability.”
Applications for the 2018 awards will close at 5pm on the 27 April 2018. This year there are nine award categories; 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.
Organisations already recognising the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into their everyday operations include Glenmorangie, BAE Systems, Albert Bartlett, AMEY and Mitsubishi Electric to name a few. These businesses join more than 100 others who have received a VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Award to date, illustrating the diversity of companies that are contributing to Scotland’s sustainable development.
Dr Peter Nelson, Operations Director at The Glenmorangie Company, said “The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are really helping to set the pace of the sustainable agenda in Scotland. Winning the Hydro Nation Award in 2017 was not only great recognition for us but has also opened up access to a great network of companies and organisations all working towards a common goal: making Scotland a leader in environmental enhancement.”
Businesses interested in finding out more about the free awards will have the opportunity to hear from previous winners at a series of regional information events. The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards roadshows will take place across Scotland from 14 March until 18 April 2018. The first of these events is being held tonight (14 March) at IoD’s offices in Edinburgh.
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. To request your attendance at one of the events, please register through Eventbrite www.vibesawards.eventbrite.co.uk or email: vibes@sepa.org.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Vote for your hospitality heroes in Edinburgh
Do you know the Best Cocktail Bar in town or perhaps a Dog Friendly Pub that treats your pooch like a princess? If so, why not get voting for them in this year's Scottish Bar and Pub Awards?
READ MORE
Gilded Balloon unveil brand new acts for Fringe 2024
The Fringe’s original home of comedy, Gilded Balloon have revealed their full line-up for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including Jack Docherty, Andy Gray tribute & Paul Black.
READ MORE
Laser Fundraiser Marathon for Cash for Kids will benefit 412 Children
Laser Station in partnership with Cash For Kids, is thrilled to announce the success of its recent Laser Marathon fundraiser in Edinburgh, Hull & Braehead, raising a total of £2266.
READ MORE
Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores returns this Saturday
Top Dogs is back! Dog lovers invited to come and have a fun day out with their four-legged family members.
READ MORE
May happenings round up for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has a bumper series of events planned for May, including an unmissable Summer Gin Garden, live music each Thursday and a new Peruvian menu for the Commons Club Chef's Table.
READ MORE
Drink Beer, Win Cash!
Britain's biggest independent craft brewer, BrewDog is giving beer lovers a chance to 'Drink Beer, Win Cash' with the return of its Cash Cans scavenger hunt this Spring.
READ MORE
TikTok returns as Official Virtual Stage of the Fringe Festival 2024
We're thrilled to announce that, for the third year running, TikTok will be the Official Virtual Stage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
READ MORE
Aberg, Fleetwood and Hovland set to star in Genesis Scottish Open
European Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland are set to reunite at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open.
READ MORE
Six Company announce further investment into Edinburgh restaurant scene
Six Company announces additional investment in the Edinburgh hospitality industry with the opening of Six by Nico Edinburgh West End and Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Uber Releases Limited Edition Swiftie Inspired Friendship Bracelets
Uber releases Swiftie-inspired friendship bracelets, offering £20 credit ahead of the Era's Tour this June.
READ MORE
Fayre Play announces phenomenal ticket giveaway for Taylor Swift Eras Tour
Fayre Play, the ultimate adult funfair games experience in Glasgow & Edinburgh, have announced an exclusive ticket giveaway for Taylor Swift's highly anticipated show at Murrayfield on June 8th!
READ MORE
PURE Spa & Beauty partners with O2Worx to launch Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Edinburgh
PURE Spa & Beauty is proud to announce its partnership with 02Worx by launching Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in 16 of its spa locations across the United Kingdom including three in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals Returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse May 2024
For the first time, audiences will be treated to a dazzling dozen amazing pro dancers from BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, performing this spectacular show at Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORE
National Chef Gary Maclean hosts Oyster and Champagne Bar for Edinburgh Seafood Festival
Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean is hosting an exclusive Oyster and Champagne Bar as part of the Edinburgh Seafood Festival on Saturday May 4th and Sunday May 5th at Bonnie & Wild.
READ MORE
Edinburgh to host UK premiere of blockbuster floral show for second consecutive year
Fleurs de Villes, the world-renowned floral show has announced it will return to Edinburgh next month with its major new exhibition; ARTISTE.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest kicks off this Friday
A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest this weekend (3 May to 13 May).
READ MORE
Make Time for a Cuppa to help support families with dementia
Dementia specialist nursing charity, Dementia UK, is running its 14th annual 'Time for a Cuppa Fundraiser' to raise vital funds for the leading cause of death in the UK.
READ MORE
Discover the magic of trees with Dobbies
Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting children aged four to 10 to a free workshop in May to learn more about trees and how to protect them.
READ MORE
Sign up for 2 free tickets to the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
It's just days until the opening of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which is back SEC, Glasgow on 11-12 May 2024.
READ MORE
More than 14,100 Kiltwalk heroes step up to achieve record breaking Glasgow event
Glasgow to Loch Lomond was a sea of tartan today as the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk took place, with fundraising already exceeding £2.5m.
READ MORE
RUSK & RUSK shares the Spanish Butcher menu ahead of opening in two weeks
RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares details of the menu set to ignite tastebuds for The Spanish Butcher which officially opens in Edinburgh on Friday 10th May.
READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street seeks new talent to join award winning team
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the award-winning global visitor experience in the heart of Edinburgh, has announced exciting opportunities for passionate individuals to join its renowned team.
READ MORE
All Aboard for Unmissable Tales of Adventure at the Port Edgar Open Weekend
THREE captivating and inspiring stories of adventure, near-death experiences and endurance are set to thrill the crowds at Port Edgar Marina’s 10th anniversary Open Weekend on 4th and 5th May!
READ MORE
Van Gogh experience announces Scottish premiere dates
A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MORE
A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly
National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORE
Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror
Touring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MORE
The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024
Aldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MORE
Fingal sails to top of world best luxury hotels list
Edinburgh’s Fingal has sailed to the top of the world’s best hotels list in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2024.
READ MORE
UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow
Edinburgh – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, will welcome its first Scottish customers through the doors of its Edinburgh store on Thursday, 25th April.
READ MORE
CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse
David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce further dates for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour with dates at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links