10 April 2019
Circular Glasgow is delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for a circular award that celebrates the most innovative sustainability 
projects across the UK.
In the running for Circular Economy Project of the Year at the BusinessGreen Leader Awards, Circular Glasgow will represent Scotland as one of the few Scottish projects shortlisted across the 25 categories.
Now in its ninth year, the awards will take place on Wednesday 26 June at The Brewery in London, where the team will go head to head with seven other projects.
Circular Glasgow, in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland and funded by the European Regional Development Fund, works with companies across the city helping them to open up new revenue streams, increase competitive advantage and realise financial savings using a range of practical tools.
From new collaborations between Glasgow-based bakeries and breweries, and fertiliser for soil made from waste coffee grounds, to bespoke construction summits and a range of events, the team has already engaged with over 650 businesses to date and is playing an increasing role in helping the city to achieve its ambition to become one of the world’s first circular cities.
Circular Glasgow was the starting point for a wider programme of cities and regions work across Scotland, led and funded by Zero Waste Scotland in partnership with local chambers of commerce and other key local stakeholders.
Other cities and regions have learned from Glasgow’s experience and also developed their own distinct approaches to the circular economy to suit their different economies. Full programmes of regional activity are now underway in: Circular Tayside (Dundee, Perth & Angus); Circular North East (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire); and Circular Edinburgh.
Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a shift in the business community’s commitment to sustainable projects that contribute to Glasgow’s goal of becoming a leading circular city. Many businesses are exploring new ideas and partnerships that will benefit the individual organisations while supporting the economic growth of the city in a sustainable way.
“To be recognised as a leading circular project on a UK wide scale is fantastic, and we’re thrilled to represent Scotland’s circular contribution.
“As more businesses and individuals engage with circular models, we’re excited to see creative and inspiring initiatives that will be embedded within the city’s business community, driving forward Glasgow’s sustainable status on an international scale.”
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Circular Glasgow is our first sustainable city project, which has successfully demonstrated how businesses of all kinds can turn the potential benefits of a circular economy into profitable reality for both people and the planet.
“The shortlisting of Circular Glasgow for this prestigious award is welcome recognition of the impact which Circular Glasgow has already had in just two years, with innovative collaborations including the first Scottish beer to be made from leftover bread.
“The pioneering initiative has also led to the expansion of circular cities across Scotland, helping more small and medium-sized firms nationwide reduce waste and cut costs by making the best use of our precious resources.”
To see the full list of businesses, visit the Business Green website here.