SOSE and The VIBES Awards are calling on businesses in Dumfries & Galloway to play their part in supporting Scotland to meet its target of net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
The announcement comes as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Glasgow City Council and Global Footprint Network reveal that Earth Overshoot Day, the point at which we have already have used up our quota of the Earth’s biological resources for the lands on Thursday 29 July. This is the second year Scotland has been chosen to make this global environmental announcement and reflects the vital role the country will play in climate change conversations over the course of 2021.
The renowned VIBES Awards will recognise the vital contribution of Scottish companies who are embracing both the environmental and business benefits of a sustainable approach and showing how Scotland can help #MoveTheDate of Earth Overshoot Day in future years. Entries for businesses to show how they are taking urgent action to halt the climate emergency have just opened at www.vibes.org.uk
The awards will also showcase the important role of Scottish businesses ahead of COP26, the annual UN climate change conference which is coming to Glasgow in November 2021.
The COP26 conference is focused on bringing together parties to tackle climate change and to create a more resilient future for everyone and the VIBES awards are helping to accelerate the pace towards net zero by shining a spotlight on some of the inspirational work already underway in Scotland to reduce the impact on climate change.
Businesses can be recognised for “environmental good practice” or “outstanding achievement” and VIBES are keen to hear from companies who have improved or changed their way of working or have products or services that will help Scotland.
A few of the previous VIBE winners who are based in the South of Scotland include:
- Greenvale AP who won VIBES Management Large Award 2017
- Aqualution Systems Ltd who won 2019 Finalist Best of VIBES and 2018 VIBES Hydro Nation Water Innovation award
- Emtelle who won a VIBES Management Large Award in 2015
The VIBES Awards were launched in 1999 and have recognised the important contribution of almost 200 businesses in encouraging the efficient use of resources, improving environmental performance, and supporting the wider goals of sustainable development.
SOSE Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross said:
“SOSE are delighted to be a partner in the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards and we are encouraging businesses across Dumfries & Galloway to enter if they are making steps to improve or reduce their impact on the environment.
“As the economic and community development agency for the South of Scotland, we are committed to help the region transition to a NetZero economy, but also to further the sustainable economic and social development of the South of Scotland, and to improve the amenity and environment of the region.”
“In the year that COP is coming to Scotland, these Awards will offer a fantastic opportunity to highlight the excellent work taking place by businesses working to achieve net zero carbon emissions.”
Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said:
“In November, the eyes of the world will turn to Scotland and COP26. Together we can choose one-planet prosperity over one-planet misery. We can and must build from the pandemic through our global ability to plan, to protect and move at pace. Scottish business innovation helped lead the Industrial Revolution. In 2021 the Glasgow summit and the future we choose as each community, city, company, or country, offers real hope for a new net-zero revolution, with Vibes being a key opportunity to show Scottish business leadership.”
Gillian Bruce, Chair of the VIBES Awards, said: “This is a key time for Scotland and each and every business in the country has a role to play in developing sustainable solutions. The VIBES Awards are proud to highlight the existing work which is underway to help Scotland move towards net zero and we hope our successful businesses can inspire others to improve their environmental practices and help to safeguard Scotland for future generations.”
The 2021 VIBES Awards ceremony will be provisionally held in October 2021 and decisions on the format of the event will be made in line with COVID regulations closer to the date.
Businesses have until 30 July 2021 to apply. For further information or to enter please visit www.vibes.org.uk
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