The Lighthouse, in Glasgow, buzzed with good vibes today (3/12/02), as three Scottish companies picked up Vision In Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) national awards.

The winners were:

• The Scottish Nappy Company Ltd (small business category)
  
• Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd (medium business category)
  
• Allied Distillers Ltd (large business category)
  
  

VIBES is a national initiative to reward and promote sustainable business practices through encouraging new environmental initiatives, raising awareness of best practice within the workplace, promoting effective resource use, recycling and pollution minimisation.

Ken Collins, Chairman of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and member of the judging panel said: " Effective environmental management is not only good for business, the economy and competitiveness but also benefits the surroundings in which we work, live and relax. VIBES aims to reward not only those who display a high degree of environmental awareness but also hopes to encourage others to follow their example. The quality of entrants was very high and it was a difficult job for the judges to single out individual winners. Thanks go to the Herald’s Alf Young and Iain McMillan of CBI Scotland for sitting on the panel and giving their valuable time and knowledge to this initiative."


Information on 2002 VIBES Awards winners

The Scottish Nappy Company

Based in Dundonald, Ayrshire The Scottish Nappy Company is fully committed to the use of reusable nappies and the advantages these have over other disposables. Every effort is made to promote this message and raise awareness to potential customers. The Scottish Nappy Company has considered the environmental impact of its operations from the sourcing of its materials, their delivery, use, collection and laundering. The business is open to, and willing to investigate new areas of business efficiency and is aware of the benefits its actions have had on their business.


Morrison Bowmore Distillery Ltd

This Islay distillery has taken steps to significantly reduce oil consumption and emissions, effluent and the amount of waste sent to landfill. The company has proven a strong commitment to continuous environmental improvements, making investments to various projects which benefit themselves, and importantly, the local community.


Allied Distillers Ltd

Management at the Dumbarton plant is keenly aware of the financial and business benefits of better environmental performance, and has implemented several environmental initiatives saving an estimated £346K in the process. Of particular note is a project to influence and involve suppliers in waste minimisation. The high level of support and commitment to environmental awareness and action is continued through employees, who are given an induction and on-going training in environmental and efficiency awareness.



ENDS

Notes to Editors

VIBES is a partnership between Business Environment Network, CBI Scotland, Forward Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Rolls Royce, Scottish Council Development and Industry, Scottish Executive, Scottish Energy Efficiency Office, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Environment Link, Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

The competition is divided into 3 categories: small (15 or fewer employees); medium (between 15 and 250 employees); and large (250 or more employees).

East Region Finalists

• Small: no businesses made the shortlist
  
• Medium: Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh
  
• Large: Curtis Fine Papers, Guardbridge, near St Andrews
  
  

North Region Finalists

• Small: Essential Spirit Ltd, Borgie, near Thurso
  
• Medium: Hambleside Danelaw Ltd., Inverness
  
• Large: Baker-Hughes INTEQ Ltd., Aberdeen
  
  

West Region Finalists

• Small: The Scottish Nappy Company Ltd., Ayrshire
  
• Medium: Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd., Islay
  
• Large: Allied Distillers Ltd., Dumbarton
  
  
  

For further details contact

Emma Hargreaves, PR Officer
e-mail emma.hargreaves@sepa.org.uk

Tel: 0791-9111107 fax 01786 448040

Website www.vibes.org.uk