Élan Hair Design, which can claim to be the UK’s most eco-friendly hair salon, has been nominated for seven business awards in recognition of its commitment to the environment.
The Inverurie-based salon will go up against major companies including Deutsche Bank and Globe Education, Shakespeare's Globe and NatWest and The Prince’s Trust as it aims to win the accolade for the most effective long-term programme at the Corporate Engagement Awards.
Élan is also in the running for another major national honour as it has qualified to compete for the ASDA environmental leadership prize as part of Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards. The salon will vie against major companies including EDF Energy, HSBC and National Grid.
The salon has also been shortlisted in the environmental leadership and SME of the year categories in the Business in the Community Scotland Awards. Élan won the Scottish Environmental Leadership award in 2015 and will defend its title at the ceremony being held at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Tuesday, June 28.
Élan has also found awards success locally as it has been nominated in the best Aberdeenshire hair salon category at the Aberdeen Business Awards which are being held on Sunday, May 29 at the Aberdeen Douglas Hotel.
In addition, the business has been shortlisted as a finalist at the National CSR Awards in the clean and green category and at the Look Awards in the outstanding contribution of the year category.
Lorna Milton, director at Élan Hair Design, said: “We are delighted to have been nominated for all of these awards, each of which is fantastic credit to all the staff at the salon.
“The entire Élan team is dedicated to doing as much as it can for both the environment and its local community – to be shortlisted for these awards is fantastic recognition of that commitment and our achievements to date.”
Élan has made significant environmental accomplishments since it began an eco-friendly initiative in 2012 which involved a £250,000 refurbishment of its premises.
Features of the revamp included the installation of PV (photovoltaic) panels which generate electricity and solar-thermal panels to provide energy for hot water.
The salon has since continued to develop innovative methods of reducing its carbon footprint, including designing a system to send hair clippings and other biodegradable waste to be spread as soil improver on local farmers’ fields. Unique measures such as these have allowed the salon to divert 95% of its waste from landfill.
In addition, the business has introduced a carbon management plan, which has led to the salon reducing its emissions by 94%.
For further information about Élan Hair Design visit www.elanhair.co.uk
Where and when:
- National CSR Awards: Thursday, May 12 at the Crystal in London.
- The Look Awards: Sunday, May 15 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow
- Aberdeen Business Awards: Sunday, May 29 at the Aberdeen Douglas Hotel
- Corporate Engagement Awards: Tuesday, June 21 at the Brewery in London.
- Business in the Community Scotland Awards: Tuesday, June 28 at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh
- Business in the Community UK Awards: Date and Venue TBC.