Aitken Spence recognised as the best in community relations

Heritance Kandalama produces top environmental project

Recognising the Group’s commitment to building sustainable livelihoods and developing local communities, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce placed Aitken Spence Plc as the category winner for Community Relations at the recently concluded Best Corporate Citizens Awards 2010.

Biomass Gasifier

The company’s enduring best practices in community relations consist of local employment and purchasing, environmental impact mitigation, infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods development, welfare programmes and community engagement in decisions which impact them.

As a diversified conglomerate with operations in many localities across the island, the recognition is a reflection on the Aitken Spence’s commitment to engage local communities positively across a myriad of business sectors and among many communities.

Heritance Kandalama, a global benchmark in sustainable tourism, was recognised as the best special project under the environmental category, receiving a merit award for its groundbreaking biomass gasifier. The gasifier reduces 500 tonnes of carbon emissions per year by replacing diesel with Grilicidia wood, which creates substantial employment opportunities for local farmers.

Heritance Kandalama won Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award for large hotel category at the ITB Asia tourism trade show held in Singapore in October.