The Case Study by Green Globes Assessment and rating system Based out of Canada Site Visits August 2000, January Conducted by Mr. Ravi De Silva se_study_hotel_kandalama.pdf se_study_hotel_kandalama.pdf

Eco Hotel: Heritance Kandalama

Overview 162 rooms Designed by Sri Lankan born, UK trained architect Geoffrey Bawa Development 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 Recognition Numerous Industry Awards Green Globes (when case study was conducted)

Sri Lanka Island in the Indian Ocean, 20 miles SE of India Highest biodiversity on the Asian continent Located at the crossroads of different ecological zones and within Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Green Business Practices Collaborative partnerships to protect forest around the hotel as conservation forest In 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-Park Kandalama Hotel designed to “complement and enhance” the natural environment despite its size Eco Park: Environmental Education Center Built by employees using local materials Space now serves as employee event area

Environmental Planning Developed by environmental engineer Ravi de Silva Identified six key environmental issues in planning, 4 relating to business practices The 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 Management Open door policy for staff to discuss environmental ideas with environment director Environmental education for staff and community Control mechanism for illegal activities around the hotel Employs more than 300 local people

Water Use Have 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

Energy Certified for ISO and Earth Check Silver Collect data monthly to ensure progress Have 40% come from solar power within 2 years Provide 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 emissions Use Bio Mass collected from the hotel grounds to avoid the use of gas

Indoor Environmental Quality No substances generating toxic fumes on premises No smoking for employees and guests Fresh air is made accessible for each room to lessen the reliance on air conditioning

Operations The local community is greatly positively impacted Over 40% of employees are locals that have been specifically trained by the hotel The EcoPark is used as a tool to educate local students about the environment Recycling is split into 15 categories thereby almost completely eliminating waste Natural, local foods are the only sort used in restaurants Tree 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 poo Extensive composting Clay pots used wherever possible instead of plastics Plants to ice coolers

Green? Excellent example of green business & sustainable ecotourism practices 2 main approaches: biologically inspired production, reinvest in natural capital. Extensive tree-replanting, waste reduction & monitoring, giving back to community However, only 40% locals Also, 162 rooms – a lot of consumption Despite this, still excellent sustainable practices.