Thema Collection sets sustainability benchmark with GHG quantification initiative

Discussion on the way forward and future areas of collaboration 

From left: NCPC Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Samantha Kumarasena, Thema Collection Chairman/Managing Director Chandra Wickramasinghe, MDF Sri Lanka Country Director Maryam Piracha

With the global urgency to address climate change and the rising demand for responsible travel, Thema Collection—a leading thematic and eco-conscious hospitality group in Sri Lanka—has successfully completed a groundbreaking sustainability initiative in partnership with Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF). The collaboration was formally launched on 29 November 2023. 

This forward-thinking initiative was strategically developed to quantify the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions associated with Thema Collection’s properties—marking the first time in Sri Lanka that an entire hospitality chain has undergone such a comprehensive GHG assessment. 

To ensure accuracy and credibility, a third-party verification was conducted by the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) of Sri Lanka. This verification adhered to ISO 17029:2019 and ISO 14064-3:2019 standards, confirming that the assessment met the requirements of ISO 14064-1:2018. This rigorous process significantly enhanced data accuracy, identified key areas for improvement, and provided a strong foundation for future GHG assessments and emission reduction strategies. 

“Our partnership with MDF enabled us to take a critical step forward in our sustainability journey. By quantifying our GHG emissions, we now have the data and direction needed to reduce our climate impact and foster a low-carbon tourism model,” said Thema Collection Chairman/Managing Director Chandra Wickramasinghe. 

MDF Sri Lanka Country Director Maryam Piracha commented, “We are proud to support Thema Collection’s leadership in driving sustainable tourism. By undertaking a full, third-party verified GHG assessment across its properties, Thema has set a new industry standard for transparency and action. This initiative exemplifies how data-driven approaches can help businesses become more resilient, competitive, and aligned with global sustainability demands—core priorities for MDF’s work in fostering inclusive, climate-conscious economic growth.” 

National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Samantha Kumarasena added, “It was a pleasure to collaborate with Thema Collection on this landmark initiative by verifying GHG emissions for the entire group of the hotels. The level of commitment shown by the organisation was outstanding particularly in undergoing third-party GHG verification process. I really appreciate the strong willingness to adopt globally recognised climate accountability standards. This is a positive step for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in aligning with international climate commitment and best practices in order t accelerate the transition to low-carbon operations.” 

The project went beyond mere measurement to drive meaningful transformation by raising awareness of environmental impacts across all stakeholder levels and fostering a shared sense of responsibility. It also focused on building internal capacity, equipping staff not just with an understanding of sustainability principles but also with the skills to actively participate in the greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification process. Particular emphasis was placed on youth development through hands-on training and technical knowledge, preparing a future-ready team capable of independently conducting GHG assessments. Additionally, the project promoted transparency by sharing best practices and success stories, inspiring wider industry adoption of data-driven, climate-conscious strategies. 

Thema Collection remains committed to leading with innovation and responsibility—empowering travellers, staff, and partners to become champions of climate-conscious hospitality in Sri Lanka and beyond.