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Chaaya Blu Trincomalee was awarded the ‘Green Globe re-certification’ by the world wide certification and performance improvement program developed specifically for the tourism and travel industry.
The Green Globe Certification which operates in 83 countries is stringent in awarding their certifications through independent third party assessors.
Applicants have to conform to 248 pre-set internationally accepted standards including saving energy and water, reduce operational costs, and most importantly positively contribute to local communities and their environment. Chaaya Blu Trincomalee achieved a rating of 77% of the standards set, an improvement of 12% from the previous Green Globe Certification.
To achieve this prestigious Green Certification, the resort adopted some of the best practices for sustainability and conservation including reducing power consumption by 90% with the introduction of LED’s in the rooms and recycling 95% of water used.
In addition, the resort educated the youth on the importance of conserving the environment as part of their sustainability drive.
Chaaya Blu Trincomalee, a member of the John Keells hotels, has pledged ‘Be green’ and in keeping with this commitment, they actively seek initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint.
“We are very proud to receive this certification by one of the world’s most renowned sustainability brands,” said Chaaya Blu Trincomalee Manager Lankesha Ponnamperuma.
Sustainability is a journey and to receive this for the second time is significant. It motivates us in continuing pursuit to reduce the impact on the environment.”
“Being a member of Green Globe puts our management and staff on a continuous learning path to improve our Green initiatives,” said Lankesha.
Few of the other hotels within the John Keells group to receive the certification include, Chaaya Village Habarana, Chaaya Wild Yala, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Bentota Beach Hotel.
“As one of the largest hotels and resorts chain in Sri Lanka, we intend to make it our business to set the benchmark in creating the highest green standards for the industry on the island,” said Lankesha.
“The Green Globe certification is the right step towards giving more emphasis on sustainable tourism,” he concluded.