Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging businesses in his region to apply for this year’s prestigious VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Open to businesses large and small across the country, the awards recognise those who champion sustainability by reducing pressure on the planet’s resources. Past winners have focused on everything from accelerating action towards net zero, embracing circularity and increasing biodiversity.

Officially launched last week by SEPA CEO, Nicole Paterson, the 2023 awards feature three new categories: the Just Transition Scotland Award, the Vision in Business Scotland Award and the STV Green Fund Award, with a £30K campaign partnership with STV up for grabs.

Other categories include the Product Scotland Award, Service Scotland Award, Circular Scotland Award, Sustainable Transport Scotland Award and Nature Rich Scotland Award.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards is an established and prestigious event on the annual calendar for Scottish businesses and offer an excellent opportunity for them to showcase their commitment to sustainability.

“There have been various winners from South Scotland over the years and I’m encouraging more businesses from this region to apply again and highlight how they have been championing sustainability in their sectors.”

Nicole Paterson, SEPA CEO said:

“Thriving, successful and sustainable Scottish businesses will be those that recognise the link between environmental and economic prosperity, and with record breaking entries to last year’s VIBES awards, it’s clear that Scottish businesses agree. 

“The journey towards sustainability is a challenging but necessary one and I, like many others, have been encouraged and inspired by the commitment and action from VIBES winners over the years.

“We saw energy efficient businesses charge ahead at the 2022 awards and I’m sure this year’s entrants will once again demonstrate effective solutions to some of our biggest challenges.”

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

Businesses can obtain an application form, contact vibes@sepa.org.uk and have until 5pm on 14 April 2022 to submit their free application. Finalists will be announced in May before the annual awards ceremony in November.

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