Colombo Courtyard, leading urban hideaway celebrates another green year!

Asia’s first CarbonNeutral City Hotel, Colombo Courtyard, recently renewed its neutral status for a fourth consecutive year, leading the way in sustainability in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. With a heavy emphasis on staying sustainable from its inception through an eco friendly design, the hotel was constructed and decorated using recycled and upcycled material. However, the release of greenhouse gases is inevitable for any business, unless measures are taken to prevent or negate their impact. Colombo Courtyard, in its drive to protect the environment for our future generations, has focused on being carbon neutral.

This year, Colombo Courtyard proudly announced a reduction in their carbon emissions by 3% year on year, a feat that was commended by a leading authority in the field of environmental sustainability, Nobel Laureate and Director of The Carbon Consulting Company (CCC), Prof. Mohan Munasinghe. The certificate was awarded to Arun Thapar, Managing Director of Colombo Courtyard by Prof. Munasinghe at an official handover ceremony, who spoke highly of the efforts made by the hotel to remain green, while also addressing the importance of this stand in today’s global crisis, thereby staying ahead of its competitors.

Their mitigation process started by reducing emissions internally through the use of low energy consumption utilities such as LED bulbs, inverter A/Cs and switching to solar power. Other notable steps taken include the use of glass bottles throughout the hotel to reduce the use of plastic. GHG emissions released as a result of the hotel’s operations were calculated by CCC, who conducts an annual audit to assess its carbon footprint and to identify relevant reduction solutions. 

Adding to Prof. Munasinghe’s points, Sanith De S. Wijeyeratne, CEO of The Carbon Consulting Company further said, “In light of recent global developments to environmental policy, combined with severe climate shifts as displayed by recent bouts of drought and flash floods in the country, our actions over the next few years may well determine how our planet will alter if we don’t take measures to lessen our impact on the earth. Changes in the weather conditions we experience in our day to day life are the direct impact of polluting environment and producing carbon gasses. It is great news and indeed encouraging that a leading hotel like Colombo Courtyard set an example by continuing their efforts to remain carbon neutral, a move that sets the benchmark for the hospitality and sustainable tourism industries towards making informed choices when it comes to enjoying their holiday or engaging in business activities.”

To negate its emissions, the hotel purchased an equivalent amount of carbon credits through The Sustainable Future Group (SFG), the regional certification partner of Natural Capital Partners of the UK, the issuing body of the globally renowned CarbonNeutral certification. The funds generated through the purchase of these credits are used to support renewable energy projects both locally and internationally. These projects usually employ staff from its surrounding location, and therefore helps benefit the population around it. The carbon credits bought this year will go towards the Ratnapura and Kandy Small Hydro Power Project.

“We are extremely happy that we have been able to reduce our carbon footprint yet again,” says Arun Thapar. “It has not been an easy task, as steps taken from our initiation were towards the reduction of emissions. To continuously lean an already lean initiative has been a challenge, and I’m proud that my team has been able to do just that.” When asked about how responsive guests have been to their mission, Thapar said that it has been very positive, with seven out of ten guests contributing towards negating their emission. “We do our best to talk to our guests and inform them of our mission and how we hope to achieve it. They have been very encouraging. We would like to thank all of them for contributing to a green stay.”

Colombo Courtyard is situated in the heart of the city, at 32 Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 03.  An urban boutique hotel, featuring Deluxe, Superior Deluxe Rooms and Suites, the hotel is perfect for the leisure or business traveller looking for a luxury, city central stay. With its Amber Spa, jacuzzi, pool and gym along with Loft Lounge Bar, Italian Restaurant Scarlet Room and Cloud Café, Colombo Courtyard is your urban hideaway in Sri Lanka’s Commercial Capital. Its emphasis on quality services is even talked about by other hoteliers in town.

For more information on Colombo Courtyard, visit their website at www.colombocourtyard.com, or their facebook at www.facebook.com/colombocourtyard/.