Paving the Path Towards a More Sustainable Future: Aitken Spence Apparel Achieves Carbon Neutral Certifcation

ACE Apparel Pvt Ltd. Koggala

General Manager of Aitken Spence Apparels (Pvt) Ltd Mr. Gayath Guruge receiving the Carbon Neutrality certificate from the Minister of Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and the Chairman of NCPC Sri Lanka, Mr. Gamini Gunasekera.

Aitken Spence Garments Ltd. Mathugama

Maintenance Engineer of Aitken Spence (Garments) Ltd, Mr. Thushara Vidanage and Ms. Dinithi Manoshika, HR Assistant (Special Projects)  receiving the Carbon Neutrality certificate from the Minister of Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and the Chairman of NCPC Sri Lanka, Mr. Gamini Gunasekera.

In an era defned by climate concerns and the urgent need for sustainable practices, Aitken Spence Apparel has emerged as a front-runner in the textile industry's quest for carbon neutrality. The textile sector, notorious for its signifcant carbon footprint, has become a focal point for transformation towards eco-conscious operations.

The textile industry has been widely acknowledged as a contributor to global carbon emissions. The estimated annual emission of carbon dioxide ranges from 122 million to 2.93 billion tonnes, clearly showing the industrial impact on the climate. As we witness growing concerns about the environmental toll of fashion consumption, Aitken Spence Apparel feels strongly that they are called to embrace sustainability in an emission-intensive industry.

Aitken Spence Apparel has taken on a mission to achieve carbon neutrality. Carbon neutrality is an aspect of addressing climate change, which involves balancing carbon dioxide emissions by utilising carbon sinks or removal methods. It represents their commitment to offset emissions by implementing strategies that absorb an amount of carbon from the atmosphere. Aitken Spence Apparel's dedication to this pursuit speaks volumes about its determination to redefne industry norms and set sustainable benchmarks.

Mr. Lushan Perera, CEO of Aitken Spence Apparel said, “Aitken Spence Apparel's recent achievement of carbon neutral certifcation for its sub-factories, Ace Apparels and Aitken Spence Garments, stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to the environment and industry leadership. Our goal is to redefne the norms within the textile industry.”

On the 15th of August, 2023, The NCPC hosted the "New Solutions for Low-Emission Food Production in Sri Lanka" Project Launch event. The event took place at Orchid Hall, in The Bandaranaike International Hall. The event's Chief Guest, the Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Ministry of Industries, graced this occasion with his presence. During the event, Aitken Spence Apparel was honoured to receive their Carbon Neutrality Certifcate.

Aitken Spence Apparel underwent a rigorous verifcation and validation process by the NCPC, renowned for creating purposeful partnerships on a global scale and for their expertise in advocating for cleaner production practices across the nation. The NCPC’s expertise and rigorous assessment process guarantees the accuracy and credibility of the company’s emission reduction efforts.

Aitken Spence Apparel adopted the ISO 14064-1:2018 standard, incorporating the IPCC 2006 GHG quantifcation guidelines for emissions assessment. This remarkable achievement highlights the company’s initiatives in minimising its carbon footprint and dedication to global environmental reporting standards.

Emissions were assessed across four distinct categories:

Category 1 encompasses direct GHG emissions from controlled sources under Aitken Spence Apparel's operational control. This includes fuel combustion, transportation emissions, and on-site energy production.

Category 2 covers indirect GHG emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam consumption. Category 3 accounts for emissions along the value chain due to activities outsourced to suppliers, such as transportation and waste management. Lastly, Category 4 addresses all other indirect GHG emissions associated with company activities, not covered in the previous categories.

The collaboration between Aitken Spence Apparel and the NCPC exemplifes the power of strategic partnerships in driving positive change. By upholding the most stringent benchmarks in calculating, verifying, and offsetting carbon emissions, the company has shown its dedication to environmental stewardship and its role as an industry leader in the textile sector.

Aitken Spence Apparel's journey towards carbon-neutrality has seen them join forces with co-energi (Pvt) Ltd, a distinguished independent engineering consultancy. With a focus on energy and resource efciency in both buildings and industrial processes, co-energi brings a wealth of experience to the table. By working hand in hand with Aitken Spence Apparel's project team, co-energi aids in data collection, devising emission reduction strategies, and creating essential documentation. The collaboration propels both entities forward on the path to sustainability, bolstering their commitment to green practices and environmentally conscious initiatives.

Furthermore, Aitken Spence Apparel stands out as a pioneer in sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices, frmly committed to preserving the environment through practical strategies. With a robust set of energy conservation tactics, the company replaces conventional fuorescent bulbs and tube lights with energy-efcient LED lights, plans to introduce advanced servo motors to sewing machines, and upgrades outdated electronic appliances to energy-saving alternatives. Regular maintenance of electrical equipment and meticulous evaluation of compressed air systems further exemplify their dedication to energy efciency. Similarly, in the realm of waste reduction, Aitken Spence Apparel employs innovative approaches such as implementing colour-coded waste separation bins and utilising innovative plotters with cutter machines to reduce paper usage and enhance accuracy. Their inventive solution of repurposing leftover fabrics into local fashion orders underscores their holistic approach to minimising waste generation.

Additionally, the company is at the forefront of fostering environmentally conscious initiatives, as evidenced by their commendable projects Haritha Kedella and Ape Rehe Piyasa. These projects, rooted in sustainable practices, encapsulate the company's commitment to environmental well-being while extending their positive impact beyond the factory walls.

Haritha Kedella, is an undertaking that demonstrates Aitken Spence Apparel's dedication to cultivating a greener future. The project's primary objectives are to establish an eco-friendly garden within the factory premises and to raise awareness about the manifold benefts of environmentally sensitive gardening practices. By imparting essential knowledge and resources to employees, Haritha Kedella empowers them to start and sustain their own home gardens. This initiative not only promotes the production of organic fruits and vegetables for a healthier lifestyle, but also emphasises the therapeutic value of gardening, contributing to stress relief. Moreover, the project's attention to sustainable gardening practices, including composting and water conservation, aligns harmoniously with Aitken Spence Apparel's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and nurturing the environment.

The initiative, Ape Rehe Piyasa, showcases Aitken Spence Apparel's holistic approach to sustainability. This initiative centres on selling surplus harvests from employees' home gardens, thereby extending their livelihoods beyond the workplace. By doing so, the project stimulates eco-friendly practices, encouraging both economic growth and environmental responsibility within the community.

By encouraging employees to engage in sustainable gardening practices and promoting home gardens, the company establishes a symbiotic relationship between environmental consciousness and individual well-being. Collectively, these initiatives exemplify Aitken Spence Apparel's unswerving dedication to nurturing the environment, fostering sustainable practices, and signifcantly reducing their carbon footprint through a range of inventive and community-driven projects.

Aitken Spence Apparel's achievement of carbon neutrality demonstrates a strong dedication to a sustainable future. Their collaboration with the NCPC and co-energi (Pvt) Ltd highlights the power of partnerships in driving positive change. By following strict standards and implementing practical strategies to conserve energy and reduce waste, the company sets a remarkable example in the textile industry. Through innovative projects like Haritha Kedella and Ape Rehe Piyasa, Aitken Spence Apparel not only decreases its impact on the environment but also involves its employees and the community in environmentally friendly practices.

The company's dedication to preserving the health of our planet and creating a sustainable legacy for future generations is clearly demonstrated by their pursuit of carbon neutrality. Their efforts and accomplishments signal a new era in responsible manufacturing, serving as an inspiration for the entire industry to prioritise sustainability and work towards a greener world.