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East Lothian and Midlothian best green businesses announced as finalists for environmental awards

18th July 2018

 VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awardsshortlist announced  

A total of four businesses in East Lothian and Midlothianare among the 43 best green businesses in Scotland chosen as finalists for the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in recognition of their commitment to tackling environmental challenges.  

Midlothian Council and EDF Energy Nuclear Generation, Hamilton Waste & Recycling Ltd and Hickory from East Lothian have made the cut for their contribution to Scotland’s sustainability (full list in notes to editors). The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held on 14 November at Radisson Blu in Glasgow.  

Now in their 19th year, the awards urge Scotland’s businesses to challenge their everyday working practices and embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability.    

The finalists have been selected across nine individual award categories which aim to recognise the different ways organisations are implementing environmental best practice in their daily activity. This could range from reducing the use of plastic or developing a new product or service, to encouraging cycle to work schemes or replacing company vehicles for electric cars. 

Sustainable best practice isn’t just good for the environment but is also beneficial for business performance, with many of this year’s entries reporting associated benefits including; enhanced competitiveness, a positive working culture and both environmental and financial savings.  

Commenting, Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a great chance to recognise business leadership in sustainable environmental investment. This is at the core of SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity regulatory strategy. New approaches for delivering environmental improvements provide businesses with opportunities to enhance their sustainability and economic performance.   

“The Awards celebrate businesses which are already stepping up to this challenge and are leading by example. The awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward these companies for going beyond “business as usual” and driving sustainable growth through innovation. It is very encouraging to see so many of Scotland’s businesses leading the way and making a difference which will not only support the environment but also protect their bottom line. I would like to congratulate each of this year’s finalists and wish them luck for November’s ceremony.”

Awards will be presented for the following categories: Management Large, Management SME, Green Team, Sustainable and Active Travel, Circular Economy, Environmental Product or Service, Innovation, and Hydro Nation Water Innovation. A Micro Business Award will also be presented to the best entry to any category from a company with less than 10 employees.  

This year a Climate Adaptation commendation has also been introduced, in partnership with Adaptation Scotland, which will reward a business that has demonstrated managing climate related risks or has created a product or service to help society adapt.

Award sponsors to date include Adaptation Scotland, Anglian Water Business, Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard, Climate-KIC through ECCI, Energy Saving Trust, Farne Salmon and Trout, Greenvale AP, Scottish Government, ScottishPower and University of Stirling Management School.  

For more information on VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards please visit www.vibes.org.uk

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