Firms ‘will profit if they go green’

Businesses in Renfrewshire are being urged to act now to embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability.

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards are underlining what organisers say is the need for urgent action to address the environmental challenges currently faced, as well as highlighting the potential business benefits which this can deliver.

New research from the leading environmental awards, which officially l aunched yesterday , found that 81 per cent of previous finalists and winners who had already implemented environmental improvements had also seen significant financial benefits, with 44 per cent saving more than £10,000 and 17 per cent saving over £50,000 in a year.

As well as saving money and enhancing their environmental performance, businesses employing sustainable practices are reaping the benefits of an engaged workforce, positive working culture and improved competitiveness as well as contributing towards a better economy and society as a whole, according to VIBES.

This is something that organisers want to bring to the attention of Scotland’s businesses through the annual awards which aim to recognise and reward businesses that are championing sustainability.

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, added: “The scale of environmental challenges facing humanity is enormous, with a real urgency to act. The successful businesses of tomorrow will be those who embrace the economic opportunity of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.”

Applications for the awards close at 5pm on April 27.

VIBES is a partnership by a number of agencies.

Visit www.vibes.org.uk to find out more.