Fife businesses announced as finalists for 18th VIBES Awards

Two businesses in Fife are among the 38 Scottish companies chosen as finalists for the 2017 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in recognition of their commitment to the environment.

Bright Green Hydrogen Limited in Methil and Diageo in Leven have been shortlisted for this year’s awards.

A diverse range of companies from across Scotland entered the 18^th annual environmental award scheme which recognises and rewards the commitment, actions and achievements of Scottish companies working hard to reduce their impact on the environment.

Sustainable best practice isn’t just good for the environment but is also beneficial for business performance, with companies reporting numerous benefits including enhanced competitiveness and both environmental and financial savings; something which VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards is keen to communicate to the Scottish business community.

The 38 finalists have been selected across nine individual award categories. Bright Green Hydrogen Limited, which operates as a renewable energy demonstration centre, has been shortlisted for the Transport category for their innovative energy storage project. Diageo, which is based in Leven, has been shortlisted for the Hydro Nation category for their protection measures relating to effluent treatment and compliance.

Commenting, Gillian Bruce, chair of the VIBES Awards, said: “Congratulations to this year’s finalists, each of which has impressed judges with their commitment and innovation in environmental and business best practice.

“VIBES is dedicated to recognising companies which have taken significant steps to reducing their environmental impact. Over the 18 years since the first VIBES ceremony, we have seen entries from businesses of all sizes and sectors, highlighting the range of businesses supporting Scotland’s sustainable development. We look forward to celebrating with many of these businesses and our new finalists at this year’s awards.”

The VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards will take place in Edinburgh this year at Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa on November 15, where eight of the selected finalists will be awarded in one of the following categories; Management Large, Management SME, Green Team, Transport, Circular Economy, Environmental Product or Service, Innovation and Hydro Nation Award. A Micro Business Award will also be presented to the best entry to any category from a company with less than 10 employees.

Sponsoring the awards this year are; Anglian Water Business, Centre for Sustainable Practice and Living, Climate-KIC at Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI), Farne Salmon and Trout, Scottish Government, ScottishPower and University of Stirling Management School.

VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands 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, Bright Green Business, Quality Scotland and Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org)

For more information on VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards please visit www.vibes.org.uk or keep up to date on Twitter @VIBES_Awards