MSP COLIN BEATTIE COMMENDS INNOVATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SCOTLAND

Constituency MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie has congratulated Bright Green Business on organising the Environmental Placement Programme for offering innovative placements to graduates. These placements allow graduates to work for a host organisation with a focus on making their professional setting more environmentally minded.
 
The EPP hosted its annual awards ceremony this week to pay tribute to those who have undertaken their placements this year, and to celebrate those who have gone the extra mile in this role. Mr Beattie has sponsored this event in the Scottish Parliament for several years, and noted he was glad to see it return in a virtual capacity.
 
Colin Beattie MSP commented:
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“As we face a global Climate Emergency, it is absolutely critical that we have innovative thinkers who are minded towards how we can have the most environmentally friendly country possible and who aren’t afraid to take drastic steps to protect our society from the harms of climate change.

“I was delighted to sponsor the EPP Awards in a virtual capacity this year which are organised by Bright Green Business. I have sponsored this event for many years in the Scottish Parliament and I am pleased to see it return in an online format.

“The EPP Awards celebrate those who have gone the extra mile during their placements to find innovative ways to make their host organisations more environmentally friendly. I would like to congratulate this year’s winner, Rowan Stanforth, who won the award of ‘Most Enterprising Environmental Intern 2020’, and also the runner up, Kathleen Painter.

“I commend all those who have undertaken one of these placements and have worked to help build a more sustainable Scotland and to promote a style of thinking that incorporates doing more to protect the environment in our everyday workplaces.

“The EPP has placed over 1,000 students into organisations across Scotland and that this has generated long term employment for young people. Last year, 60% of EPP graduates being hired by their host organisation following their placement. This figure demonstrates to me what a high calibre of candidates are involved in these programmes, and how well respected their work is within the businesses and organisations who host them. It is truly remarkable and proves just how successful these placements are.

“Bright Green Business have also asked me to note that if any businesses would like to host these placements to help make their workplace greener, then they should get in touch with them.

“In light of the success of this programme, I have submitted a Parliamentary motion recognising the merits of the scheme. Congratulations to all those who have undertaken an EPP Placement and a big thank you to those involved in organising the scheme and the host organisations who have welcomed the graduates into their businesses.”