An Inverurie-based hair salon has won a national business award for its innovative approach to the environment.
Élan Hair Design, which can claim to be the UK’s most eco-friendly salon, has won a Best Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) after impressing the judges with its extensive efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
A spokesperson from the judging panel at the Best Business Awards said: “Élan Hair Design is a role model for all hairdressing salons wishing to cut their carbon footprint.
“The salon is involved in many other areas of CSR but its commitment to the environment is awe inspiring.”
Lorna Milton, director of Élan Hair Design, said: “We are delighted to have won this award, it really shows how far we have come over the past few years.
“We keep looking for new ways to be eco-friendly and to help out the community locally and nationally – it’s great to be recognised for that.”
Élan undertook a £250,000 ‘green’ refurbishment of its premises three years ago aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. 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 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 compost on local farmers’ fields. Unique measures such as these have allowed the salon to divert 95% of its waste from landfill.
The business also introduced a carbon management plan, which has successfully led to the salon reducing its emissions by 94%.
Élan has made an impressive contribution to society, both in their local and national communities.
The company has held events to encourage other like-minded businesses to become more sustainable and, by raising awareness, increase consumer demand for more eco-friendly products and services.
Élan has also shared information with the stylists of the future at North East Scotland College and Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy sharing examples of their sustainable best practice.
The salon was recently was highly commended in the National Business Awards and was a finalist in both the Scottish Business Awards and the UK Chamber Awards, hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce.