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Scottish business leaders embracing economic benefits of sustainability

More than 40 Scottish businesses, championing the link between economic success and environmental sustainability, have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2023 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards.

With a significant number of entries this year, the awards celebrate the efforts of companies working to reduce pressure on the planet’s resources, accelerate action towards net zero, and reinforce the symbiotic relationship between the economy and the environment.

The shortlist covers every corner of the country, from Inverness to Hawick and Lossiemouth to Newton Stewart - as well as a wide range of sectors including transport, food and drink, construction and tourism.

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said:

“As the need for sustainable business practices grows across the country, so too does the economic opportunity. Now more than ever, Scottish consumers are looking to business leaders to take meaningful action, with a recent survey revealing 58% are more likely to buy from environmentally friendly companies.

“This year’s VIBES shortlist goes to show that we have those in abundance in Scotland and SEPA remains firmly focused on helping many more businesses realise the financial and social benefits that come with prioritising the environment.”

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards is a partnership between SEPA, the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

Since 1999, VIBES has recognised hundreds of Scottish businesses driving positive and radical environmental action. Last year, 12 winners were announced including Kenoteq in Edinburgh - a company making construction bricks from waste, with a 90% lower carbon footprint. Bruichladdich Distillery Co Ltd, a whisky and gin distiller based on the Isle of Islay, also scooped a prize for its commitment to the environment including switching to 100% green electricity and making additional packaging optional for customers.

ThermaFY Eco, a thermal analysis software and data company based in Kelso, won the Produce or Service Scotland award in 2023 for helping identify to identify ways to maximise energy efficiency of homes, reducing carbon emissions and excessive use of energy.

Scott Fairburn, CEO of ThermaFY Eco, said:

“Embracing sustainability is not only a responsible choice but also a smart business decision. At ThermaFY, we work with some fantastic organisations who are committed to integrating sustainable practices into their customers and employee's homes. This enables us to not only contribute to a greener future but also enhance the overall business performance of our clients through ensuring the efficiency of the UK’s housing stock.

“Being recognized as a VIBES award winner validates our dedication to sustainability and motivates us to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency. We are proud to be part of a growing community of businesses actively shaping a sustainable future.”

STV, the official media partner for 2023, has created the Green Fund Award for this year’s VIBES - the winner of which will bag a £30k campaign partnership with STV.

Jules McKim, Head of Client Partnerships at STV, said:

“It’s never been more important for businesses to champion sustainability, and as part of our media partnership with this year’s VIBES Awards, we’re delighted to be offering £30k worth of advertising to a standout organisation that has gone above and beyond in its mission to promote positive environmental practice.

“The STV Green Fund was set up to support Scottish businesses with strong green credentials, so partnering with VIBES on this award was a no-brainer for us. Congratulations and good luck to all this year’s nominees.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in November. More information about the awards can be found on the Vibes website.

Notes to editors

Full list of finalists for the 2023 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards

Vision in Business Scotland - Best Large Business

• Albert Bartlett & Sons (Airdrie) ltd, Airdrie
• Robertson Group, Stirling
• Ross-Shire Engineering, Muir of Ord
• Star Refrigeration Ltd, Glasgow
• Tennent’s Caledonian Breweries, Glasgow

Vision in Business Scotland - Best Medium Business

• Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh
• Hickory (Scotland) Limited, Edinburgh
• Scotmas, Kelso

Vision in Business Scotland - Best Small Business

• Dear Green Coffee Roasters, Glasgow
• Grand Bequest, Glasgow
• Logitech Limited, Glasgow
• Threaplands Garden Centre, Moray
• Windswept Brewing Company, Lossiemouth

Vision in Business Scotland - Best New Business

• Art Buds Collective, Livingston
• Deer Manor Gourmet Mushrooms, Newton Stewart
• ReBlade Limited, Glasgow

Product Scotland

• Falcon Foodservice Equipment, Stirling
• Intelligent Growth Solutions, Edinburgh
• Scotmas, Kelso
• Sunamp LTD, Tranent

Service Scotland

• Changeworks, Edinburgh
• Mackenzie Construction, Glasgow
• The Alba Explorers Ltd, Brechin
• ULEMCo Limited, Aberdeen

Circular Scotland

• Brewster Brothers, Livingston
• Emtelle UK Limited, Hawick
• Move On Wood Recycling, Edinburgh
• The Furniture Project (Stranraer) Limited, Stranraer
• Veolia, Edinburgh

Just Transition Scotland

• ReBlade Limited, Glasgow
• RI Cruden Limited, Inverness
• Tennent’s Caledonian Breweries, Glasgow

Sustainable Transport Scotland

• Ember, Edinburgh
• Ross-Shire Engineering, Muir of Ord
• Stagecoach (Scotland), Perth

Energy Transition Scotland

• ASCO, Dyce
• Lochlie Constuction Group, Hillington
• Ross-Shire Engineering, Muir of Ord
• Tennent’s Caledonian Breweries, Glasgow
• Twists Studio Glass, Selkirk

Nature Rich Scotland

• Flow Country Partnership, Thurso
• Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, Nairn
• Saltire Roofing & Building Ltd, Edinburgh

About VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards

• VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards is further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors (IoD), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Bright Green Business, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, the Scotch Whisky Association.
• The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards reward and recognise organisations that have demonstrated significant business benefits from good environmental practice.
• Entries are open to all Scottish-based businesses including private sector businesses, social enterprises and community businesses but excluding VIBES partners, supporters and current sponsors. If the entry focuses on a collaboration or partnership approach, there must be at least one private sector business, social enterprise or community business involved. Other partners can include public sector organisations and charities.
• A panel of judges from VIBES partner organisations will assess the applications and select businesses reaching the required standard to receive a VIBES award.
• STV is the official media partner of the 2023 awards, which are also sponsored by Chivas Brothers – Pernod Ricard, Scottish Government, Mabbett, Stirling University Management School, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, SSE, Harris Maxus and Optimum Eco group.

The main aims of the awards:

• Accelerate action to achieve net zero carbon emissions
• Encourage the efficient use of resources
• Enhance the competitiveness of businesses
• Improve environmental performance
• Support the wider goals of sustainable development