Waters Edge unveils sustainability initiative ‘We Cares’

Winner of the overall best performance – food waste management competition receiving his certificate from Urban Development and Housing Ministry Secretary Sirinimal Perera (right) as Waters Edge Chairman Rohan Fernandopulle (centre), High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka David McKinnon (left) and Urban Development Authority Chairman Major General (Retd.) Udaya Nanayakkara (2nd left) look on

 Waters Edge Chairman Rohan Fernandopulle (left) speaking with High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka David McKinnon (right) at the event

Waters Edge recently launched the ‘We Cares’ sustainability initiative with the aim to reduce the harmful impact on the environment by introducing sustainable practices to its daily work culture.

The launch was graced by Urban Development and Housing Ministry Secretary Sirinimal Perera as the Chief Guest, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka David McKinnon as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Ravi Fernando – as the Adviser We Cares, Urban Development Authority Chairman Major General (Retd.) Udaya Nanayakkara, and Waters Edge Chairman Rohan Fernandopulle.

With its strong corporate culture and significant presence in the hospitality sector, Waters Edge management felt the need to address the several environmental factors that are of immense importance today, with a ripple effect on future generations yet to come.

“It is with great pride that my team and I kick-start the We Cares sustainability campaign to do our part to protect the earth. Sustainability could be discussed along three main thematic areas: The Environment – Protect our environment using best practices, The Society – keeping all stakeholders happy and The economic impact – ensuring that costs do not escalate with regards to hotel operations. Leaving that thought in your mind, I am confident that we can roll-out this model as a success story to the entire hospitality industry in Sri Lanka,” said Waters Edge Chairman Rohan Fernadopulle at the launch of the We Cares program.

Global Strategic Corporate Sustainability Ltd. Chairman/CEO Dr. Ravi Fernando is a champion in the corporate sustainability sector and has many accolades and successes under his belt has partnered with Waters Edge to share his knowledge and expertise with the We Cares campaign as the advisor to the project.

Further Waters Edge Assistant Manager Sustainability Ishanda Senevirathna together with the team has been involved from the inception of the We Cares sustainability campaign.

We Cares Sustainability initiative will focus on the following key areas; Food Waste Management , Energy Management, Sustainable Procurement and Reforestation focusing on the theme of food waste management, the hotel management initiated the project with a view of uplifting the local community by way of prioritising suppliers/brands and sustainable products in keeping with the highest health and industry standards. The Waters Edge promise of pioneering sustainable practices, has brought to existence an organic vegetable cultivation to be used in their very own in-house restaurants.

Solar energy panel installation in the premises is in the pipeline of the sustainable initiatives of Waters Edge and will be initiated in the near future. These panels will harness solar power energy which would minimise the use of power consumption in the hotel operations, which will in return drastically reduce power consumption within the hotel.

The minimised use of plastic within the property by promoting the use of glass water bottles in the restaurants have seen a further reduction of the plastic waste in the hotel’s daily operations.

The use of biodegradable/paper packages for takeaway food items could also be featured as another positive step toward future sustainability.

The Waters Edge, a corporate social responsible organisation working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders and partners aspire to reverse and mitigate its carbon footprint on earth. The Waters Edge We Cares is a pioneering effort in the right direction that would encourage and invigorate similar organisations to join forces in order to safeguard and preserve our treasured environment for years to come.

The dedicated website, www.wecares.lk, was also simultaneously launched at the event.