Dunnet Bay Distillers among the finalists in the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards
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A record number of entrants for the 2022 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards has been narrowed down to 45 finalists, including one from a Caithness distillery.
Confirming the news, Sarah Lyons, environment manager at Dunnet Bay Distillers said: "We are delighted that we have been selected as a finalist in the VIBES awards. They represent what we are trying to achieve as a business and were really looking forward to the judges site visit later in the month.
"It’s interesting reading through the finalist list to see what great work is happening across different businesses – a way in which we can all learn from each other."
Rock Rose Gin has also been given the accolade of an award by CoolBrands for two successive years. CoolBrands pays tribute to the nation's latest trend setting brands. Those chosen are judged on originality, innovation, authenticity, desirability and responsibility.
The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are 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.
This year's finalists come from across a range of industries including food and drink, construction and life sciences. They will all be considered for one or more categories ahead of the award ceremony later this year.
Scotland is famous for its culture of innovation, making it ideally positioned to play a leading role in the journey to a more sustainable, low carbon future.
Since 1999, the awards have recognised more than 270 businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption of its resources – from increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach.
Gillian Bruce, chair of the awards said: "Every year, the VIBES awards highlight the progress made across Scotland to help move towards net zero. We see more and more firms and organisations who recognise environmental innovation and best practice can also bring economic benefits and it is always inspiring to hear entrants tell us about their work.
"Scotland is a leader in climate change action and every business can play a part in leading Scotland to net-zero. We hope the finalists will encourage others to improve their environmental practices and help to safeguard Scotland for future generations."
Environment Minister, Mairi McAllan, said: "Businesses have a huge role to play in protecting our environment and tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss and I would like to congratulate all those that have been shortlisted.
"The VIBES awards are a great opportunity to recognise businesses that are showing leadership in making their operations more sustainable as part of Scotland’s journey to net zero."
The Highland Council has also been successfully short-listed for the wards with the Hydro Ness – the ‘Archimedes Screw’ hydro-electric scheme on the River Ness in Inverness, which became fully operational in March this year.
Chair of the council's Climate Change Committee, councillor Karl Rosie said: "I am so pleased the hard work and commitment of all the staff behind the project has been recognised with a place in the finals.
"Hydro Ness is a fantastic project and not only do I wish the project success in the VIBE awards but I look forward to a continued focus on our property estate across the Highlands, and understanding how we may reduce energy consumption with innovative and environmentally sustainable means of providing energy, such as this."
Around three quarters of this year’s applicants have entered VIBES for the first time. Two of the 12 categories – Nature Rich Scotland and Energy Transition Scotland – are new awards.
In the next stage, judges will interview each finalist or take part in a site visit, where finalists will be able to demonstrate their work. This will be fed back to the head judging panel, who will select the 2022 winners.
