Robertson wins top sustainability and innovation prize

Now in its 25th year, the awards are delivered by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and celebrate businesses creating a sustainable, low-carbon future through ‘innovative and sustainable practices.' 

At a ceremony held in Glasgow last week, Robertson picked up the Sustainable Transport Scotland award, which is given to a business which has ‘set out clear objective to engage with and adopt sustainable travel and transport measures and activities.’

A range of initiatives implemented by Robertson in building an electric vehicle (EV)-focussed fleet saw the removal of 77% of petrol and 95% of diesel cars between April 2021 and April 2024.

After an initial pilot of 13 vehicles, the fleet has now grown to over 500 fully electric company cars. With over 99% of all company cars being either electric or hybrid, Robertson is on track to have an all EV/ULEV car fleet before the end of 2024.

The company is also working towards decarbonising its commercial fleet and is currently undertaking EV van trials on different projects and facilities management contracts.

Graeme Hannah, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact, Robertson Group, said: “At Robertson Group our purpose is to assure a sustainable future, and an important part of that is what we do to protect our environment, today, tomorrow and for future generations. Against robust and challenging targets, we have driven down our emissions intensity by more than 67% since 2015, and have offset more emissions than we generate since 2020 to reach climate positive status.

“As a family business rooted in Scotland, it is very important to us that we demonstrate leadership towards achieving Scotland’s net zero target. Winning this award is recognition of the good work we are doing with our employees, customers and supply chain partners to reduce our impact as we work together to protect the natural environment.”

Lisa Tennant, SEPA Chair and head of this year’s judging panel, said: "For 25 years SEPA have led the VIBES Awards to recognise sustainable practices and environmental innovation that sets the bar for business.

"The community of winners we have act as a catalyst of change. Their stories of environmental leadership, innovation and sustainable working practices inspire others by showing environmental excellence can go hand in hand with business success."

As well as winning the Sustainable Transport Scotland Award, Robertson was shortlisted for the 'Vision in Business Scotland - Best Large Business' and 'Energy Transition Scotland' awards.

Becoming one of the first UK businesses in the built environment to achieve carbon neutrality in 2018, Robertson has demonstrated strong carbon reduction leadership within its sector, reducing emissions intensity before achieving ‘climate positive’ status through offsetting, well ahead of its 2030 target of achieving Net Zero.

The business is also a founding signatory of the Sustainable Market Initiative’s Terra Carta and was awarded with the prestigious Terra Carta Seal last year.

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between 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.

Robertson also took part in the 2023 Green Fleet EV Rally of Scotland, driving over 600 electric miles with the 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz