Elpitiya Plantations wins Gold at Green Productivity Awards

Elpitiya plantations PLC (EPP) was awarded Gold at the first ever ‘Green Productivity Awards 2021’organized by Sri Association for the advancement of Quality and productivity-(SLAAQP). 

The awards ceremony was recently held at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo. The objective of the awards was to recognise organisations engaging in productive enterprises while conserving the finite natural resources and environment. Assessments were based on environmental sustainability, enhanced productivity, sustainable innovation and social contribution. 

This is further testimony to EPP’s sustainability journey, making it one of the most sustainable plantations companies in Sri Lanka. Elpitiya Plantations’ holistic sustainability strategy, which centers on the achievement of six long-term environmental, social and economic aspirations, are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals namely, SDG 6- Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7- Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8- Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9- Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, SDG 15- Life on Land and SDG 17- Partnerships for the goals.

The company has concerted efforts for emission control, especially through renewable energy generation with hydro and solar recording 141 percent above the annual electrical energy consumption, sourcing sustainable thermal energy from biomass by planting bamboo and incorporation of organic compost over 4 Million kgs (annually) to improve soil organic matter as well as to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer to bring down  fugitive emissions from chemical fertilizer which is the highest GHG emitter in the industry.
It also researches on mechanisms to adapt to the impacts of climate change and rolled our efforts such as harvesting rainwater over 254 million litres (annually), and efforts to recharge soil naturally.

The visionary leadership from the top management, guidance on sustainability strategy from the sustainability expert Dr. Ravi Fernando and well-executed by a winning team at Elpitiya Plantations has made the company a trailblazer in the industry by also recording its highest profits in the last season while improving the living standard of the community, employees, and all stakeholders.