Aberdeen Heat & Power Ltd has been declared a champion of business sustainability at the 16th annual Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards.
The company, which was set up by Aberdeen City Council to alleviate fuel poverty and reduce the carbon footprint in hard to treat properties, was named winner of the Environmental Product or Service Award (sponsored by ScottishPower) at the ceremony held in Edinburgh’s Sheraton Hotel. This year, nine businesses took the coveted green title in front of more than 300 people from a wide range of Scottish companies.
The VIBES Awards is Scotland’s leading environmental awards scheme which recognises and rewards businesses that contribute to the country’s sustainable development by taking significant steps to improve or reduce their impact on the environment.
Following a record number of entries, 27 Scottish businesses were shortlisted for the 2015 awards. A rigorous judging process was undertaken, including a programme of site visits, to assess the environmental practices of each of the finalists.
The awards aim to encourage efficient use of resources, enhance business competitiveness, improve environmental performance and support wider sustainable development goals. Awards were presented for each of the eight categories: Management (Large and SME), Environmental Product or Service, Transport, Co-operation (joint award), Hydro-Nation and Circular Economy and Micro Business (a full breakdown of winners is detailed in the notes to editors).
Gillian Bruce, Chair of the VIBES Awards, commented: “We would like to congratulate all our 2015 winners and finalists. The standard of entries this year was very high with many companies demonstrating how putting sustainability at the heart of their business operations can also benefit the bottom line.
“The winners impressed the VIBES judges throughout the process with their commitment to environmental excellence. We have had a great day celebrating their achievements and hope many more companies will be inspired to follow their example by recognising the benefits of sustainability in business.”
Ian Booth, general manager at Aberdeen Heat & Power Ltd, said: “Aberdeen Heat & Power Ltd. is delighted to be able to win this prestigious VIBES Award. The company was formed in 2002 to deliver affordable heat to alleviate fuel poverty, through a district heating model particularly for hi-rise social housing blocks, and this mantra is still very valid today.
“The various District Heating systems we operate in Aberdeen now supply heat to over 2000 homes and 15 public buildings from efficient, low carbon Combined Heat & Power energy centres. We have the long term ambition to grow the district heat networks around the city and are justly proud to be able to win such a valued award to further the aims of the company.”
Each of the 2015 VIBES winners is now eligible to enter the 2016 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE). In 2014 six out of the 12 entries representing the UK were chosen from previous VIBES Awards winners. Edinburgh-based Vegware and Stonehaven’s Bay Fish and Chips were selected as the only UK finalists in 2014, putting Scotland firmly on the map in terms of sustainable business practices in Europe.
The VIBES 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 the 20:20 Climate Group. The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses and Bright Green Business.
Sponsoring the awards this year are Scottish Government, ScottishPower, Zero Waste Scotland, Brand-Rex, EMEC, Pernod Ricard Chivas Regal, Lothian Buses, Centre for Sustainable Practice & Living and The University of Stirling Management School.
The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org).
For more information on the VIBES Awards visit www.vibes.org.uk. Regular updates on the VIBES Awards 2015 are posted on Twitter (@VIBES_Awards) #VIBES2015, Facebook (Facebook.com/VibesAwards) and on the VIBES Blog www.vibes.org.uk/news/
Full List of Winners and Categories with Winners’ Comments for VIBES Awards 2015
Management (Large) (Sponsored by Pernod Ricard Chivas Regal)
Winner - Emtelle UK
Management (SME) (Sponsored by Stirling University Management School)
Winner - CMS Window Systems
Commendation - Clyde Shopping Centre
Co-operation (Sponsored by Brand-Rex)
Winner - Taylor Wimpey West Scotland and C&D Associates LLP (joint award)
Environmental Product or Services (Sponsored by Scottish Power)
Winner - Aberdeen Heat and Power
Transport (Sponsored by Lothian Buses)
Winner - City Car Club
Hydro Nation (Sponsored by Scottish Government)
Winner - Bridge Biotechnology
Circular Economy (Sponsored by ZWS)
Winner - Better World Books
Commendation – Tinto Toners
Best Micro Business (Sponsored by EMEC)
Winner - Lobster Pod
Special Certificates:
Brae Cottage B&B
Castle Enterprise
GreenspaceLive
Loch Ken Eco Bothies
Film City Glasgow
Uist Wool