Green Business Practices

The Kandalama HotelKandy, Sri Lanka

John WalshJustine Mulliez

Spencer Lee

A Case Study

The Case Studyby Green Globes

Assessment and rating systemBased out of Canada

Site Visits August 2000, January 2001 - Conducted by Mr. Ravi De Silva

http://www.yourhomeplanet.com/ecolodgical/pdfs/case_study_hotel_kandalama.pdf

Eco Hotel: Heritance Kandalama

Overview162 roomsDesigned by Sri Lankan born, UK trained

architect Geoffrey BawaDevelopment initially met with opposition from

people who were opposed to any tourism infrastructure development in their protected environmental region

Developers in turn included community concerns about the environment in their plans and through that built one of the most environmentally hotels in the planet

Kandalama Industry RecognitionNumerous Industry Awards

Green Globes 1996-1998 (when case study was conducted)

Sri LankaIsland in the Indian Ocean, 20 miles SE of

IndiaHighest biodiversity on the Asian continentLocated at the crossroads of different

ecological zones and within Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Green Business PracticesCollaborative partnerships to protect forest

around the hotel as conservation forestIn house nursery produces indigenous forest

plants to be used in reforestation on and around hotel property

Hotel central to the rehabilitation of nearly 230 ha of rainforest

Eco-ParkKandalama Hotel designed to “complement

and enhance” the natural environment despite its size

Eco Park: Environmental Education Center Built by employees using local materialsSpace now serves as employee event area

Environmental PlanningDeveloped by environmental engineer Ravi de SilvaIdentified six key environmental issues in planning, 4

relating to business practicesThe effects of the Hotel site on natural hydrology and run

off patterns The discharge of solid and liquid waste into the lake system The discharge of waste and operational by-products in the

proximate semi-pristine forest system The impact on the local community

Environmental ManagementOpen door policy for staff to discuss

environmental ideas with environment directorEnvironmental education for staff and communityControl mechanism for illegal activities around

the hotelEmploys more than 300 local people

Water UseHave not touched the enormous reservoir

nearby to help benefit the local people with their farming

Water is found by means of tube wells that are dug deep into the mountainside

Waste water is treated through an on-site wastewater treatment that is then used for the watering of hotel plant life and vegetable

Grey water is collected from filters and then used to minimize the distribution of dust on the hotel’s gravel

EnergyCertified for ISO 14001 and Earth Check SilverCollect data monthly to ensure progress Have 40% come from solar power within 2 yearsProvide education for drivers and guides to

understand the issues with idling Encourage the use of bicycles and buses that are

provided by the hotel to reduce carbon emissionsUse Bio Mass collected from the hotel grounds to

avoid the use of gas

Indoor Environmental QualityNo substances generating toxic fumes on

premisesNo smoking for employees and guestsFresh air is made accessible for each room to

lessen the reliance on air conditioning

OperationsThe local community is greatly positively impactedOver 40% of employees are locals that have been

specifically trained by the hotelThe EcoPark is used as a tool to educate local

students about the environmentRecycling is split into 15 categories thereby

almost completely eliminating wasteNatural, local foods are the only sort used in

restaurantsTree planting is in the works through the use of

coconut shells as seedling containers

Operations continued…Cooked food waste given to local farmers to

feed animals.Kandalama produces own paper, on-site,

elephant pooExtensive compostingClay pots used wherever possible instead of

plasticsPlants to ice coolers

Green?Excellent example of green business &

sustainable ecotourism practices2 main approaches: biologically inspired

production, reinvest in natural capital.Extensive tree-replanting, waste reduction &

monitoring, giving back to communityHowever, only 40% localsAlso, 162 rooms – a lot of consumptionDespite this, still excellent sustainable

practices.