‘Deep Green’: Incorporating people, planet and profit into everyday business

Saturday, 6 June 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Munasinghe Institute of Development Founder Chairman Professor Munasinghe with Ideal Group Founder/Chairman Nalin J. Welgama and Ideal Group Deputy Chairman Aravinda de Silva

Ideal Group launched its in-house sustainable development strategy on 5 June, World Environment Day.

Given the strong growth experienced by the Ideal Group, which began from humble beginnings as an importer of spare parts in 1997 to a group representing many global brands, that now covers almost all parts of Sri Lanka and touches the lives of millions of Sri Lankans by providing products and services that drives their lives forward, the future growth of this group will be done with strong sustainable development principles in mind. Reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, protecting the environment, and promoting wholesome lifestyles are key objectives.

Advising Ideal Group on designing and implementing their sustainable development strategy is Professor Mohan Munasinghe, Founder Chairman of the Munasinghe Institute of Development, and co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for Climate Change.

He said: “I congratulate Ideal Group on their sincere commitment to sustainability, and look forward to helping them become a leader in business sustainability in Sri Lanka. The zero carbon emission e2o electric vehicle I am purchasing today is one of Ideal’s most sustainable products, and represents the future of transportation.”

“The Ideal Group embarks on its sustainable development strategy because of our own strong commitment to the environment and the country in which we live and work,” said Nalin J Welgama, Founder/Chairman of the Ideal Group. “Even though we’re a privately held concern, we embark on this of our own volition, which we hope will lead the way for similar organisations to be more environmentally and socially responsible.”

“Even though many organisations assume sustainable development is cost prohibitive, the resulting savings will more than pay off the cost of initial investment,” said Aravinda de Silva, Deputy Chairman of the Ideal Group. “In fact, the Ideal Group will state that it is more profitable to be sustainable than disregarding it.”