12 July 2018

The 2050 Climate Group has joined the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in calling on young people to take part in the national consultation to improve Scotland’s future flood risk management plans.

• Take part in SEPA’s national consultation on the designation of areas which are potentially vulnerable to flooding by 31 July.
• 81% of respondents so far agree that flooding is one of the major climate change challenges Scotland will face in the future.
• SEPA is seeking feedback to ensure local knowledge is captured.

Amy Ritchie, from the 2050 Climate Group, which aims to engage, educate and empower Scotland’s future leaders to take action on climate change, said:

“Climate change will lead to more frequent and intense flooding in Scotland so it’s really important that young people, as the generation that will be affected by these impacts in the future, take the time to review and respond to SEPA’s consultation. Research shows that 18 to 34 year olds in particular are not engaged in the issue of flooding. As a result, we are urging as many young people as possible to share their thoughts on SEPA’s increasingly vital work.”

People have until 31 July 2018 to help shape SEPA’s understanding of Potentially Vulnerable Areas by sharing their local knowledge to help make Scotland more resilient in the face of increased flood events.

Over 170 responses have so far been received, which can be viewed at: https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/evidence-and-flooding/pvas2018, with 81% of respondents agreeing that flooding is one of the major climate change challenges Scotland will face in the future.

Climate change is expected to increase flood risk, potentially doubling it in some areas in Scotland before the end of the century. SEPA is now looking for the views of young people in particular to ensure that a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience is represented.

SEPA plans to publish the results of the consultation in December 2018.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

“We are pleased that we have received so many responses to this consultation so far which demonstrates the widespread knowledge and interest in this important issue. It may seem peculiar to ask people to think about flooding given the recent dry summer weather but please ensure you do because your views really do count and we want as many people as possible to share their views with us. The deadline is now fast approaching so I would strongly encourage you to take action now and join the discussion before 31 July.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Potentially Vulnerable Areas (PVAs)

Identifying PVAs is a vital part of protecting people, properties, communities, businesses, infrastructure and environment. These are based on Scotland’s National Flood Risk Assessment (NFRA) which is updated and published every 6 years. This provides a clear picture of past, current and future flood risk and feeds into SEPA’s Flood Risk Management Strategies and Local Flood Risk Management Plans. 

Designation of an area as a PVA allows local authorities and public bodies to work with communities to focus activities on reducing the impacts of flooding. Better data has provided a greater understanding of the location of properties and access to better mapping and modelling has improved the assessment of flood risk.

12 July 2018

More than 40 of Scotland’s best green businesses have been announced as finalists for the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in recognition of their commitment to tackling environmental challenges.

Now in their 19^th year, the awards urge Scotland’s businesses to challenge their everyday working practices and embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability. 

Amongst the diverse businesses which have made the cut for their contribution to Scotland’s sustainability are Wood, Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Devro (Scotland) Ltd, Edinburgh Trams and the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (full list in notes to editors). The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held on 14 November at Radisson Blu in Glasgow.

The finalists have been selected across nine individual award categories which aim to recognise the different ways organisations are implementing environmental best practice in their daily activity. This could range from reducing the use of plastic or developing a new product or service, to encouraging cycle to work schemes or replacing company vehicles for electric cars.

Sustainable best practice isn’t just good for the environment but is also beneficial for business performance, with many of this year’s entries reporting associated benefits including; enhanced competitiveness, a positive working culture and both environmental and financial savings.

Commenting, Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said:

The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a great chance to recognise business leadership in sustainable environmental investment. This is at the core of SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity regulatory strategy. New approaches for delivering environmental improvements provide businesses with opportunities to enhance their sustainability and economic performance.

“The Awards celebrate businesses which are already stepping up to this challenge and are leading by example and are an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward these companies for going beyond “business as usual” and driving sustainable growth through innovation. It is very encouraging to see so many of Scotland’s businesses leading the way and making a difference which will not only support the environment but also protect their bottom line. I would like to congratulate each of this year’s finalists and wish them luck for November’s ceremony.”

Awards will be presented for the following categories: Management Large, Management SME, Green Team, Sustainable and Active Travel, Circular Economy, Environmental Product or Service, Innovation, and Hydro Nation Water Innovation. A Micro Business Award will also be presented to the best entry to any category from a company with less than 10 employees.

This year a Climate Adaptation commendation has also been introduced, in partnership with Adaptation Scotland, which will reward a business that has demonstrated managing climate related risks or has created a product or service to help society adapt.

Award sponsors to date include Adaptation Scotland, Anglian Water Business, Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard, Climate-KIC through ECCI, Energy Saving Trust, Farne Salmon and Trout, Greenvale AP, Scottish Government, ScottishPower and University of Stirling Management School.

For more information on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards please visit www.vibes.org.uk

– Ends –

Notes to editors:

VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards is a strategic partnership between Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Government, Scottish Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, and Energy Saving Trust.

The Awards are further supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bright Green Business, Quality Scotland and Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

The Awards are accredited by the RSA Environment Awards Accreditation Scheme (www.rsaaccreditation.org).

The full list of VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards 2018 categories and finalists are as follows:

Adaptation to Climate Change:

• Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service
• The James Hutton Institute
• TreeGreen trading as EGG lighting
• Universities Superannuation Scheme LTD

Circular Economy:

• Hamilton Waste & Recycling Ltd
• Kittiwig Ltd
• Remade in Edinburgh
• Renewable Parts Ltd – Refurbishment Centre
• Spruce Carpets Limited

Environmental Product or Service:

• Clearwater Controls Ltd
• Moock Environmental Solutions Ltd
• Peel Tech Ltd
• Scotch Whisky Association
• Wood

Green Team:

• Clyde Shopping Centre
• Devro (Scotland) Ltd
• Investec Wealth and Investment (Investec Plc)
• Midlothian Council (Community Payback Team)
• Royal Zoological Society Scotland

Hydro Nation Water Innovation:

• Aqualution Systems Ltd
• Clearwater Controls Ltd
• Proterra Energy Ltd
• Scotmas Limited
• Veolia (Veolia Water Outsourcing Limited)

Innovation:

• 3F BIO Ltd
• CuanTec
• eRally Motorsport Ltd and Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd
• IntelliDigest Ltd
• McCormack Innovation Ltd
• Xanthella

Management Large:

• Devro (Scotland) Ltd
• DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited
• EDF Energy Nuclear Generation
• Scottish Leather Group Limited
• TechnipFMC

Management SME:

• Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Greens deli
• Hickory
• Paterson Arran Ltd
• Sidey Solutions Limited
• The Wildcat Cafe Ltd

Sustainable and Active Travel:

• Beyond Green
• Edinburgh Trams
• eRally Motorsport Ltd and Knockhill Racing Circuit Ltd
• nextGenergy
• Next Plc

In addition, Micro business will be considered for the Micro Business category:

• Aqualution Systems Ltd
• Beyond Green
• eRally Motorsport Ltd and Knockhill Racing      Circuit Ltd
• Greens deli
• IntelliDigest Ltd
• Kittiwig
• McCormack Innovation Ltd
• nextGenergy
• Peel Tech Ltd
• Proterra Energy Ltd
• Remade in Edinburgh
• Renewable Parts Ltd – Refurbishment Centre
• The Wildcat Cafe Ltd
• TreeGreen trading as EGG lighting
• Universities Superannuation Scheme LTD
• Xanthella