Metal reprocessing, tubular supply and decommissioning company John Lawrie Group was one of the winners at last week’s VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
The Aberdeen-headquartered company, which has operations across Scotland and in the United States, picked up the Circular Economy award at the ceremony held in Edinburgh on Thursday afternoon.
John Lawrie Group collected the award in recognition for demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and reducing environmental impacts. These are two themes which underpin its business and are supported by its robust environmental management system. The circular economy looks beyond the current ‘take, make and dispose’ industrial model, instead adopting a restorative and regenerative approach that relies on design and innovation.
Now in its 18th year, The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards is dedicated to recognising and rewarding businesses that are contributing to the country’s sustainable environment. Winners of the nine awards were selected following a rigorous judging process that included a visit by a team of judges to each business to assess their environmental procedures.
Established in Aberdeen in the 1930s as a metal merchant, today John Lawrie Group specialises in metal recycling and reprocessing, the supply of new and used steel tubulars, and oilfield and industrial decommissioning services. Sustainability has always been a priority for John Lawrie Group, which over the past two decades has progressively developed its decommissioning expertise.
Ray Grant, environmental director at John Lawrie Group, today discussed the topic of the circular economy during a presentation at the Oil & Gas Technology Centre. He outlined the reuse opportunities and obstacles for decommissioned materials arising from subsea and seabed clearances.
Commenting on winning the VIBES award Ray Grant said: “We are honoured to have been recognised at this year’s VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards. Winning the Circular Economy award is a real testament to the hard work and commitment from everyone at John Lawrie Group towards reducing our impact on the environment.
"We are fully committed to the circular economy model which is being actively driven across the UK and Europe with Scotland at the very forefront, and are proud to take our place amongst many excellent companies working hard to deliver a sustainable future.
“The presentation at the Oil & Gas Technology Centre was a useful opportunity to highlight to the energy industry the opportunities and benefits that exist within the circular economy. Objects that have been part of the oil and gas infrastructure can have a life in other industries and it is important to understand this as decommissioning efforts begins to intensify.”
Having won the circular economy award at the 2017 VIBES, John Lawrie Group is now eligible to enter the 2018 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE).
Gillian Bruce, chair of the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, commented: “Sustainable practice is important for our environment but it can also make a big difference to a business’s operations as seen by this year’s finalists.
“The standard of entries has once again been high and it is encouraging to see the different ways and processes businesses are coming up with, both small and large, to reduce their environmental impact.
“The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are not just about giving recognition to these companies but also to help showcase the steps they are taking to reduce their impact in the hope that many more companies will be inspired to follow in their footsteps and to reap the rewards.”
Established in Aberdeen in the 1930s as a metal merchant, John Lawrie Group now offers a diverse range of industrial services across its metals, tubulars and decom divisions. The firm specialises in metal recycling and reprocessing, the supply of new and used steel tubulars, and the provision of industrial and oilfield decommissioning services. John Lawrie Group employs around 70 staff across its operations in the United Kingdom and the United States and has developed an enviable reputation for quality customer service. For more information about John Lawrie Group, visit www.johnlawrie.com or telephone 01224 871844.