Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort named ‘Best Green Hotel’ at THASL Green Awards

Wednesday, 29 October 2014 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A credit to their commitment to eco policies and green practices Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort were adjudged the Best Green Hotel as well as Energy Conservation Champion and Water Conservation Champion in the SME category at the THASL Green Hotels Awards 2014. An event organised in conjunction with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the THASL Green Hotels Awards recognises high levels of environmental performance in hotels. A continuation of the ‘greening hotel’ award scheme initiated by the EU sponsored Greening Sri Lanka Hotels program (EU – SWITCH Asia Greening Hotels Awards), the awards were organised for the first time by the THASL (The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka).

From left: Managing Director Asoka Hettigoda, Resident Manager Rohan Colambage, Group Chairman Deshabandu Dr. Victor Hettigoda, Operation Manager Priyantha Ratnayake, Maintenance Engineer Chaminda Deepal and Accountant Vajira Samaraweera Recognising enhanced environmental performance and encouraging implementation of sustainable practices in the hotel industry in Sri Lanka, the applicants were judged on a variety of criteria: their commitment to sustainability, implementation of best sustainable practices in energy, water and waste management, customer engagement in sustainable practices, sustainability initiatives, as well as new interventions to improve current practices. Winning this noteworthy award confirms the ongoing commitment of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort to eco practices at every stage of their operations. A sought after resort on the West Coast, it is owned by Hettigoda Industries – a name synonymous with Ayurvedic healing in Sri Lanka; and enjoys global recognition for excellence in the field. The company has a heritage that goes back over a century and the brand Siddhalepa is a renowned and trusted entity in Sri Lanka since the company’s inception in 1971. With such a heritage as their backbone, the hotel has, from its inception, been dedicated to being green, right from their architectural design to their day to day operations. Stringent policies on monitoring and recording energy usage are maintained and audited through internal audits. The practices come under three categories: Energy Conservation, Water management and waste management, and are strictly maintained by all staff. They also undergo continuous training and the projects are monitored by a special team. Introductions of eco-friendly means and methods are incorporated into the overall plan of the hotel – for instance, the entire hotel is designed to maximise the benefit of direct sunlight, reducing the need for artificial light during daytime with exceptional savings on energy. A 100% solar power system, inverter type air conditioning, 100% LED bulb usage, programmed timer switching, LED TVs and automatic power switching in rooms as well as a maximum use of own generator which reduces consumption off the Main Grid are just some of the energy saving initiatives in place. All the waste water is recycled, purified and reused for purposes throughout the hotel, and rainwater is also collected and utilised as well. All bathrooms also use a special low-flow system to minimise water wastage wherever possible. Waste management methods are also in place with all waste separated at source. All kitchen waste is used in a composting project and used in the vegetable gardens. Speaking on this achievement, Deshabandu Dr. Victor Hettigoda, Chairman, Hettigoda Group of Companies comments, “Our commitment to being Green has always been deep and we are honoured to receive such high recognition for our efforts for the consecutive year. As a champion of Conservation and Green Practices we will find even better ways to be more environmentally friendly and continue our efforts in every possible way.”