Jetwing Kandy Gallery secured the sole gold award in the hospitality category at the recently organized Presidential Environment Awards 2024. Organized annually by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) under the guidance of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Environment, these awards recognize outstanding environmental practices by organizations and individuals, in the areas of green management approaches, sustainability reporting and disclosure mechanisms, pollution control, solid waste management and carbon emissions management.
Jetwing Kandy Gallery, nestled in Haragama a few minutes away from the bustling city of Kandy, offers panoramic views of the Mahaweli River and the riverine habitat beyond. The property pays homage to the peaceful coexistence of man and nature that long existed in the island’s historic capital, with a number of sustainability initiatives in place.
Jetwing Hotels operate under a unified sustainability framework, allowing each property to tailor its practices to best suit the six key areas outlined in the strategy: energy and carbon, water and waste, biodiversity, family, sourcing and production, and community and culture. This localized approach ensures environmental initiatives effectively address the specific needs of each location.
At Jetwing Kandy Gallery, the solar photovoltaic system in place significantly contributes to the hotel’s energy needs, supplying over 40% of its daily electricity requirements. An on-site effluent treatment plant effectively treats 100% of the wastewater generated during hotel operations; and is then responsibly reused for irrigation purposes, minimizing reliance on freshwater resources.
Jetwing Kandy Gallery leverages a comprehensive waste management system to ensure that all food waste is processed within an onsite biogas digester, producing biogas fuel used for cooking purposes, garden waste is composed and used as a soil enhancer for the hotel’s garden, and any plastic waste is responsibly recycled. Jetwing Kandy Gallery maintains an onsite organic garden, prioritizing the cultivation of local herbs and vegetables, irrigated with treated water, with the produce being used to create delectable meals for guests.
Through meticulous monitoring and evaluation of every operational activity, Jetwing Kandy Gallery fosters continuous improvement across all areas. This data-driven approach empowers the team to make informed and timely decisions, optimizing performance and guest experiences.
While prioritising environmental stewardship, Jetwing Kandy Gallery also champions local community empowerment and engagement, with many associates at the property hailing from the surrounding communities, having participated in Jetwing’s award winning Jetwing Youth Development Programme.
Jetwing Kandy Gallery stood out amongst a highly competitive field at this year’s ceremony. Following a rigorous selection process, beginning with desk evaluation of over 900 applications and followed by on-site verification visits conducted by a distinguished panel of judges, representing the CEA, academia, and government institutions, the process ensured a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation. The hotel was the sole recipient of a gold award within the hospitality sector, joining 22 other gold awardees across various industries.
Jetwing Kandy Gallery adds its name to the prestigious list of Jetwing Hotels’ winners of the Presidential Environment Awards, joining Gold Awards for Jetwing Lagoon and Jetwing Lake, Silver Awards for Jetwing Vil Uyana, Jetwing Yala, Jetwing Lighthouse, and Jetwing Kaduruketha, and a Bronze Award for Jetwing Blue in previous years.
These awards serve as a testament to Jetwing Kandy Gallery’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and encourage the company to continue advancing their environmental conservation efforts in the years ahead. With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, with ongoing initiatives focused on community upliftment, environment conservation, and resource efficiency. The brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of luxury hotels and villas, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
