What are the VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards?

Businesses in Scotland are taking significant steps to improve or reduce their impact on the environment, often saving money in the process. The VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards are held each year to recognise and showcase best practice.

The VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government,  Energy Saving Trust,  Highland & Islands Enterprise,  Scottish Enterprise,  South of Scotland Enterprise,  Scottish Water,  Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards is further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors (IoD), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Bright Green Business, Scottish Council for Development and Industry and the Scotch Whisky Association.

The awards aim to encourage the efficient use of resources, enhance the competitiveness of businesses, improve environmental performance and support the wider goals of sustainable development including social benefits through community and staff involvement.

The VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards are given a high profile ceremony at the end of the year, providing a valuable opportunity to have the success of your business widely recognised.

In the year that COP is coming to Scotland the 2021 Awards will showcase the commitment, progress and actions of businesses towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. 

The main aims of the awards

• Encourage the efficient use of resources

• Enhance the competitiveness of businesses

• Improve environmental performance

• Support the wider goals of sustainable development

Who can apply?

Entries are open to all Scottish-based businesses including private sector businesses, social enterprises and community businesses but excluding VIBES partners, supporters and current sponsors. If the entry focuses on a collaboration or partnership approach, there must be at least one private sector business, social enterprise or community business involved. Other partners can include public sector organisations and charities.

How are the winners selected?

A panel of judges from VIBES partner organisations will assess the applications and select businesses reaching the required standard to receive a “Good Practice” award.  They will also produce a shortlist of finalists of best entries from businesses recognised for good practice in both 2020 and 2021 to be considered for an “Outstanding Achievement” award.