LOS ANGELES, California – The Cinnamon Grand Colombo in Sri Lanka is celebrating its recent Green Globe re-certification with the philosophy that sustainability drives corporate growth. Cinnamon Grand was named the Most Intelligent Building in Sri Lanka this year. With the implementation of the Schneider Building Management System (BMS), a first for a hotel in South Asia, Cinnamon Grand become the most intelligent building in the country with an annual saving of nearly 4,000 tons of GHGs (Greenhouse gases). With this, the hotel’s vision of becoming the most sustainable five star city hotel was realized.
Elaborating on Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s Sustainability Policy, ‘GRAND INDULGENCE: NOT A GUILTY PLEASURE’, General Manager Rohan Karr states the four key areas the hotel is focusing on in achieving its sustainability vision is the wise use of energy and water, waste management and recycling and supporting community activities and creating awareness.
Mr. Kerr said, “Having always been a pioneer in the industry, we strongly believe that our status as a role model in the industry must be multifaceted. Not just in offering indulgent innovative products with superlative service, but also in ensuring that our carbon footprint is minimized and we leave a healthy planet for future generations. This is why we have been enthusiastically working towards being the ‘most sustainable city hotel’, pioneering a number of eco-firsts along the way.”
Other innovative key green initiatives at the hotel include ‘Nuga Gama’, the village in the city that was certified as Asia’s First Carbon Neutral Venue in 2009. Nugu Gama was the first venue in Asia to receive an accolade of this nature by the internationally recognized Carbon Consultancy Company.
Also in 2009, the ‘Banners to Bag’ (B2b) a recycling initiative endorsed by Nobel prize laureate Prof. Mohan Munasinghe was begun to assist the local community. This was another pioneering project in Asia and the hotel was the fourth organization in the world to embark on such an initiative. Trendy bags are stitched together by retired tailors of the hotel, generating additional income for these skilled workmen. Funds collected through the B2B sales are then donated to the Children’s Ward of the Maharagama Cancer hospital.
As part of its environmental responsibilities, Environment Wisdom Card Packs have been available at all restaurants since 2010. Made from recycled paper, the card packs are comprised of images of the 200-year old Nuga (Banyan) tree at Nuga Gama and bears 12 inspirational environmental quotes by famous personalities. Proceeds from the sales go to the Field Ornithology group of Sri Lanka which supports research and efforts towards preserving the natural fauna and flora of Sri Lanka.
Several new sustainable strategies have been steadily introduced at the property in the last few years. The Green Corridor, a staff project aimed at creating awareness among the hotel’s associates was launched in 2012. And in the following year Cinnamon Grand Colombo was the first among Sri Lankan city hotels to organize ‘Delicious Waste’, a competition for chefs aimed at minimizing food waste based on the 3R cycle. Furthermore, in 2010 to coincide with World Diabetes Day, a diabetic menu was launched at Cinnamon Grand restaurants offering a selection of starters, soups, main dishes and desserts. And finally a social initiative ‘No Time to Waste’ began in 2012. This was the first ever e-waste awareness campaign delivered in local schools.
About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Green Globe is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .
