Business wins top green award
A West Lothian company is one of just four Scottish companies to scoop an Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of its commitment to tackling environmental impacts and reducing carbon emissions.
The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards were presented by Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, Richard Lochhead, at a ceremony on Tuesday.
Livingston-based, Brewster Bros, provides recycling services for the construction industry at its plant.
Not only is the company helping the sector tackle waste, but it has reduced its own environmental impact by using renewable energy sources, improving biodiversity on site and significantly reducing water usage.
Mr Lochhead said: “It is important that we recognise and celebrate businesses who are supporting our economy, our environment and creating a positive social impact. I hope the businesses showcased here today help to inspire others, as business action is crucial to achieving a just transition to our net zero future.”
Scott Brewster, managing director of Brewster Bros said: “Our mission is to clean up the Scottish construction industry – our products can help our customers build resilient infrastructures to combat the effects of climate change. We’ve experienced a surge in growth and have been able to create four new full time green jobs in the last year; we’re set to expand further in the short-term helping
to fuel a green recovery.
“We constantly review our processes to minimise our own impact on the environment through a range of initiatives including using renewable and alternative energy sources and recycling 90 per cent of our processed water.
“We’d like to thank the VIBES judging panel for recognising our efforts in reducing our environmental impacts as well as our customers.
“The application process has highlighted environmental good practice to our staff and also uncovered further room for improvement.
“Congratulations to all the other
winners.”
The VIBES Awards are a partnership between the 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.
The Outstanding Achievement winners were selected from a shortlist of 12 Good Practice Award recipients following a rigorous judging process conducted by a multi-agency panel.
Jo Green, chief officer, Green Recovery, at SEPA and one of the final panel judges,
said: “Businesses have a significant role to play in tackling the climate challenges we face, from providing customers with sustainable solutions to addressing their own operational impacts on the environment.
“What Brewster Bros. and our other winners demonstrate is that not only is this possible, but it is also in fact profitable.
“The principles of the VIBES Awards link closely with SEPA’s ambitious ‘One Planet Prosperity’ strategy.
“Through collaboration, innovation and ambition, businesses and communities can thrive within the resources of our planet.”