Circular Tayside at the STAR Awards
Perthshire Chamber of Commerce did it again! For those of you who don’t know it, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce organises the prestigious STAR awards every year. The awards are aimed at local Perthshire businesses and cover a large variety of categories including “Contribution to Sustainability Award. This award recognises companies who demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting the environment and conserving natural resources; promote ethical best practice and fair trade; support employee well-being; and deliver sustainable business growth over the long term. Judges are particularly interested in practical examples of this approach as well as evidence of the impact initiatives have had on the company, its people and local communities.”
This year we at Circular Tayside were honored to be asked to take part in the judging panel for the awards. Alongside the other judges, we visited three local businesses to have a chat regarding their contribution to sustainability.
The businesses that we visited were:
Muir Walker Pride Architects & Interior Designers– This firm has proved its commitment to sustainability by designing energy efficient homes for the last 25 years and they focus on reducing or reusing materials as well as designing spaces in a way that simplifies their restoration. With a portfolio full of projects focusing on sustainability it was clear that they belonged in the shortlisted category.
Horsecross Arts– Everyone in Perthshire (and beyond) knows Horsecross Arts as a trademark organisations that serves as a safe keep for the arts and culture scene in Perth. Managing two beautiful buildings (one of which of great historic value) and offering several activities for the local community, the vale of Horsecross Arts is well established. Not many people know of the sustainability efforts the organisation has been going through for the last 10 years. It all started with the creation of a committed Green Team that is made up of members of the various departments in the organisation. With their passion, dedication, creativity and innovative thinking they managed to reduce the organisation’s CO2 emissions by 20%, they adapted a large amount of sinks, urinals and toilets to include low-flow options, installed low energy LED lighting in the building (many of which with motion sensors) and make a point of using local suppliers for their catering needs.Their disposable crockery is recyclable, they demotivate people from using straws and they even installed a beehive on their rooftop to increase pollination and produce their own honey. They make a point of buying their costumes and theatre props from local second hand shops and donate them when not in need anymore. They also make a point of including environmental issues in their productions with most of this year’s plays having such a theme. Lastly they encourage their staff and visitors to use public transport, the organisations’ bicycles and online meetings in order to reduce transport related CO2. Their contribution to sustainability is undeniable and we were honored to visit them.
Kinross Wooden Products– John Ross in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council created a pilot project which diverts surplus furniture out of the waste stream. After the pilot and following an amazing demand from local authorities in Perth, Dundee, Angus, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Stirling, Camden, Manchester and environmental organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, WWF UK, Zero Waste Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Forestry Commission , KWP was created to deal with the demand and is currently run by a woman of incredible dedication and energy- Kirsteen Ross. KWP receives old or unused furniture form Perth local authorities ad Scottish Natural Heritage. The furniture is then grade, repaired or refurbished and put into stock for further reuse. The furniture that can’t be used as furniture anymore are taken apart into materials and components which can be reused or re manufactured. Over the last 10 years 20.000 items have been put back into use, diverting thus 600 tonnes from the landfill. The amount of furniture disposed of by KWP partners has been reduced from 60% to an astounding 3%. Future plans for this fantastic business include a programme that will offer training to local young people in the repair and manufacture sector.
So with these contestants, our jobs as judges was far from easy! All these organisations were owned staffed from very passionate and motivated individuals and it took us approximately three days to reach a conclusion on who the winner would be, although just being short-listed for this prestigious award should be enough.
The company to leave with the award on Friday nights was Kinross Wooden Products and we were honored to present it to them.
