Winner of the overall best performance – food waste management competition receiving his certificate from Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing Sirinimal Perera (right) as Chairman Waters Edge Rohan Fernandopulle (center), High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka David McKinnon (left) and Chairman Urban Development Authority Major General (retd) Udaya Nanayakkara (2nd left) look on

Waters Edge launched the ‘We Cares’ sustainability initiative recently 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. 

The launch was graced by Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing Sirinimal Perera as the Chief Guest, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka David McKinnon as the Guest of Honor, Dr. Ravi Fernando – as the Adviser We Cares, Chairman Urban Development Authority Major General (retd) Udaya Nanayakkara, and Chairman Waters Edge Rohan Fernandopulle.

“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,” said Rohan Fernadopulle, Chairman Waters Edge.

The  initiative will focus on the following 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. These panels will harness solar power energy which would minimize the use of power consumption in the hotel operations, which will in return drastically reduce power consumption within the hotel. 

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.