Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has called on Scottish businesses to nominate for the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards, which closes on 31 May.

Being recognised for sustainability is great for Scottish business. That's the message from Scotland's environment watchdog SEPA, as the deadline for the SEPA and Scottish Government led VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards deadline looms.

Data from global services consultancy Deloitte shows that 57% of consumers state their trust in a brand can be influenced by climate action. 34% state brand trust would be boosted through recognition by an independent third party.

For 25 years, the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards encourage, showcase, reward and recognise environmental excellence. As Scotland's environmental 'Oscars', the VIBES mission is to help accelerate business action to meet net zero carbon emissions.

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: "Scotland's leading businesses know that sustainability doesn't just make sense for our environment, its smart for the bottom line. Consumers and communities are increasingly focused on the sustainability of the brands they choose and Scotland's businesses are responding.

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"The roll-call of VIBES winners reads like a who's who of Scottish sustainable business – helping start-up, small, medium and corporate businesses grow and flourish across the period. With the deadline looming for Scotland's VIBES business sustainability awards, our message is clear : it's time for Scotland's sustainable businesses to shine."

Fiona Lindsay, Managing Director at Scottish wind turbine recyclers ReBlade said: "Businesses and organisations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate positive environmental impact, and rightly so. The way we do business has a huge impact on the world around us, and it makes good business sense to interrogate processes and operations to  minimise environmental and climate impacts. For ReBlade taking part in the VIBES awards has been a wholly positive experience and I'd definitely encourage other businesses to consider applying."

VIBES is a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Water, NatureScot, Zero Waste Scotland and Energy Saving Trust.

Categories open for entries this year include the Vision in Business Scotland Award for companies that clearly set out their strategy, policies, and systems that enable continuous sustainability improvements and contribute to Scotland's net zero carbon ambition.

Judging will take place over the summer, with a shortlist confirmed in September and the winners revealed at a ceremony in November.

In addition to awards entries being open until 31st May 2024, VIBES offers sustainable businesses partnership opportunities to lead business and inspire change. Unlike other awards schemes, entry and attendance at the awards ceremony are free for all applicants, which is reliant on financial support from sponsors. A series of sponsorship opportunities are now available, with opportunities from £1,000-5,000.