Pentland Ferries secures prestigious environmental award
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Pentland Ferries is among the Scottish companies at the forefront of tackling environmental change recognised today (Friday) by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
The ferry company was among 35 finalists to receive a prestigious Good Practice Award selected by a multi-agency judging panel, while European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Orkney, is one of 12 winners shortlisted for a further Outstanding Achievement Award.
At a time when Glasgow is preparing to host the COP26 climate change conference, this year’s awards also celebrate the actions and achievements of businesses working towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions.
The announcement has come as part of Scotland’s Climate Week 2021, which runs from September 13-19.
Climate Week aims to raise awareness, showcase climate leadership, and encourage action, building momentum ahead of the UN climate negotiations, known as COP26, coming to Glasgow in November.
Terry A’Hearn, CEO of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and head of the VIBES judging panel said: “In a few weeks time the eyes of the world will be on Scotland as global leaders gather to accelerate the actions required to address the enormous climate challenges we face.
“VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, linked to SEPA’s ambitious ‘One Planet Prosperity’ strategy, recognise Scotland’s leading businesses who show a real commitment to sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition.
“I would like to congratulate all the finalists who have shown Scotland can be at the forefront of finding sustainable solutions to tackle the climate emergency.”
The organisations receiving awards represent a wide range of business sizes, sectors and are from locations across Scotland.
Gillian Bruce VIBES chair said: “Despite the very significant challenges of the past two years, the high quality of entries has been hugely encouraging.
“It is important that we recognise those who are addressing the urgent environmental issues we face and praise the example they are setting for others.”
A virtual awards ceremony to congratulate the award winners will take place on Tuesday, October 19 at 10.30am.
The event is backed by key economic and business development agencies and leading environmental bodies including The Scottish Government, SEPA, Scottish Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Energy Saving Trust.
The Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Richard Lochhead, said: “Scotland has always been famous for its innovation and pioneering spirit, and businesses and private sector organisations across the country now have a real opportunity to seize the economic opportunities that our journey to a net-zero economy presents – and indeed are already doing so.
“As we celebrate Climate Week and highlight the action being taken to tackle climate change, it is fitting that that these organisations are being recognised for the work they are doing to create more sustainable and climate-friendly business practices. My congratulations go to each of the companies highlighted today and I look forward to joining them at this year’s award ceremony”
Pentland Ferries have received previous awards, they were the first ferry operator in the UK to achieve a Green Tourism Award – the MV Alfred is more than 60 per cent efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emission levels than other comparable ferries operating in Scotland.
