The search is on for Scotland’s green business champions. Applications are now open for the 16th annual Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards and Scottish hospitality businesses are encouraged to apply for their chance to join the country’s environmental elite.
VIBES is Scotland’s leading environmental awards scheme, recognising and rewarding businesses that contribute to Scotland’s sustainable development through improving processes or developing new products and services. The awards are free to enter and applications can be submitted until Monday 13th July.
For businesses of all sizes
Open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, VIBES aims to encourage efficient use of resources, enhance business competitiveness, improve environmental performance and support wider sustainable development goals. There are seven award categories open for entry this year including; Management Large, Management SME, Environmental Product or Service, Transport, Co-operation, Hydro-Nation and Circular Economy. In addition to this, the Micro Business Award will be presented to the best entry to any category from a company with less than 10 employees.
2014: hostel wins SME Award
Last year, Jessie Mac’s, a luxury 7 bedroom hostel, scooped the Management (SME) Award.
The Perthshire business impressed judges with its environmental approaches and achievements. Initiatives implemented by the hostel include an environmental management system which monitors progress and sets targets for ongoing improvements. To date, the business practices have resulted in significant environmental savings, including an increase in recycling rates from 20% to 83%, the laundry bill has been cut by a third and energy cost per bed night was cut by 42% by the end of year 2 and by 67% in year 3.
Judges were also impressed with Jessie Mac’s activity in the community which includes donating bed nights to environmental charities in lieu of carbon off-setting, using locally sourced organic and fairtrade products where possible and even donating old towels to the local dog shelter.
Previous industry winners include; Rezidor Radisson, Lovat Arms Hotel, Kilnmans Cottage, Winton House and Glenuig Inn.
Hear from former winners
VIBES is also offering businesses the opportunity to hear from former winners at a series of free events across the country. The events will provide businesses with more information on the awards as well as offering an opportunity to pick up helpful tips from previous sustainable champions.
VIBES is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, Energy Saving Trust and Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business.
The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme here
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