• Jetwing Symphony Chairman Hiran Cooray on Annual Green Building Awards recognition

In a testament to their unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and pioneering efforts in sustainable tourism, Jetwing Hotels emerged as a beacon of excellence at the Annual Green Building Awards 2023, organised by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL), winning the Green Investment Excellence Award in the tourism sector.

The prestigious recognition bestowed upon Jetwing Hotels underscored their pivotal role within the tourism sector in Sri Lanka and set a new standard for responsible hospitality. GBCSL, a nonprofit organisation representing diverse sectors of the property industry, environment, and academia, is at the forefront of revolutionising the Sri Lankan construction sector through green building practices. Committed to promoting sustainability as the cornerstone for environmental wellbeing, economic prosperity, and societal advancement, GBCSL orchestrates initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and innovation.

Jetwing Hotels Director of Engineering Jude Kasturi Arachchi, shared his thoughts on this achievement in a press release, saying: “We are honoured to receive the Green Investment Excellence Award from GBCSL. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable tourism. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with GBCSL, paving the way for innovative solutions, and setting new benchmarks for environmentally conscious practices in the hospitality sector. This accolade is not just an award; it’s a testament to our ongoing journey towards a more sustainable and responsible future for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.”

In light of this giant step towards sustainability, The Daily Morning Brunch reached out to Jetwing Symphony Chairman Hiran Cooray to learn more about Jetwing, its green initiatives, and how this award will add an edge to their sustainability goals.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Congratulations on receiving the Green Investment Excellence Award. How does this recognition align with Jetwing Hotels’ sustainability vision and ongoing initiatives?

Thank you very much. This recognition means a lot to us at Jetwing Hotels. It’s not just an acknowledgment of our efforts; it’s a validation of our core values and the direction we’ve been passionately following. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s ingrained in our DNA. This award underscores our commitment to building a better, greener future through conscious investments and innovative practices.

Jetwing Hotels has been a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka for over five decades. How has the sustainability landscape evolved over the years, and what significant changes have you witnessed in recent times?

Indeed, the journey of sustainability has been a fascinating one for us. Over the decades, we’ve witnessed a profound shift in mindset among travellers and stakeholders alike. Sustainability, once seen as an afterthought, has now become a primary consideration for discerning travellers. In recent times, the conversation around sustainability has become more urgent and inclusive, with a growing recognition of its interconnectedness with environmental, social, and economic wellbeing.

The six-fold Sustainability Strategy of Jetwing Hotels encompasses various aspects, including energy and carbon, water and waste, biodiversity, community and culture, family, and sourcing and production. Can you elaborate on how these categories intersect and contribute to Jetwing’s overarching sustainability goals?

Absolutely. Our Sustainability Strategy isn’t just a checklist of initiatives; it’s a holistic approach that weaves together different threads of sustainability. Take, for instance, our focus on biodiversity. By actively conserving natural habitats, we not only protect ecosystems but also promote local cultures and traditions. Similarly, our commitment to sourcing locally and supporting communities directly ties into our family and community initiatives, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainability.

Jetwing Hotels emphasises the use of renewable energy, such as solar installations and biomass boilers. How have these innovations contributed to reducing the environmental footprint of your properties, and what challenges have you encountered in their implementation?

Our journey towards renewable energy has been both rewarding and challenging. On one hand, innovations like solar installations and biomass boilers have significantly reduced our carbon footprint and operational costs. On the other hand, implementing these technologies has required careful planning, investment, and overcoming technical, and regulatory hurdles. However, the positive impact on the environment and our bottom line makes every challenge worth it.

Waste management is a crucial aspect of sustainability. Could you share insights into Jetwing Hotels’ waste management practices, including the utilisation of biogas digesters and composting initiatives?

Waste management is close to our hearts at Jetwing Hotels. We’ve invested in innovative solutions like biogas digesters and composting initiatives to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. These initiatives not only reduce our environmental footprint but also create tangible benefits for our communities and ecosystems. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities and embracing a circular approach to sustainability.

Jetwing Hotels’ commitment to reducing plastic waste is commendable, particularly through the use of glass water bottles and on-site bottling plants. How have these initiatives been received by guests, and what impact have they had on your sustainability efforts?

Our transition to glass water bottles has been met with overwhelming support from our guests. They appreciate our commitment to sustainability and the premium experience it offers. Beyond reducing plastic waste, this initiative reflects our ethos of responsible luxury and sets a new standard for hospitality. Moreover, on-site bottling plants not only reduce our environmental footprint but also support local economies – a win-win for everyone involved.

Jetwing Hotels adapted its sustainability initiatives and operations initially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of guests and employees. Have there been additional initiatives implemented since then?

The pandemic was a defining moment for us all. At Jetwing Hotels, we responded with agility and empathy, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees above all else. While implementing stringent hygiene protocols, we remained steadfast in our commitment to sustainability. From reducing single-use plastics to investing in renewable energy, every decision has been guided by our core values and the belief that a sustainable future is a safer future. Since we are no longer under serious threat of the pandemic, we have been able to focus on more customer oriented sustainable approaches and over the years, we’ve slowly taken several steps towards achieving total greenness.

Looking ahead, what are Jetwing Hotels’ future sustainability goals and aspirations, particularly in the context of emerging environmental challenges and evolving guest expectations?

As we look to the future, our goals remain as ambitious as ever – especially buoyed by the recent honour bestowed upon us with the Green Investment Excellence Award. We aim to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainability, embracing innovation and collaboration every step of the way. From enhancing energy efficiency to fostering deeper community partnerships, our journey is far from over. As environmental challenges evolve and guest expectations rise, we remain committed to leading the way towards a greener, more resilient future – one where sustainability isn’t just a choice, but a way of life.