Waters Edge launches ‘We Cares’ sustainability initiative
winner of the overall best performance – Food Waste management competition receiving his certificate from Chief Guest, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing Sirinimal Perera. Chairman Waters Edge Rohan Fernandopulle, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka David McKinnon and Chairman Urban Development Authority Major General (retd) Udaya Nanayakkara look on.
Waters Edge launched the We Cares sustainability initiative on recently with the aim to reduce the harmful impact on the environment by introducing sustainable practices to its daily work culture.
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 is 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 stake holders happy and The economic impact ensuring that cost do not escalate with regards to hotel operations. I am confident that we can roll- out this model as a success story to the entire hospitality industry in Sri Lanka,” said Rohan Fernadopulle, Chairman Waters Edge.
Assistant Manager Sustainability, Waters Edge 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 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 prioritizing suppliers/ brands and sustainable products in keeping with the highest health and industry standards.
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.
The minimized 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 bio degradable/paper packages for take away food items could also be featured as another positive step toward future sustainability.
The Water’s Edge, a corporate social responsible organization working hand –in- hand with all stake – holders and partners aspire to reverse and mitigate its carbon foot print on earth. The Water’s Edge We Cares is a pioneering effort in the right direction that would encourage and invigorate similar organizations 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.