JKH to install a bio-gas plant

The World Tourism Organization declared 2012 as the year of 'Tourism and Sustainable Energy'. Conforming to the criteria and its commitment of sustainability under the pledge of 'I will be Green', John Keells Hotels Group initiated a project to install a biogas plant at Chaaya Village, Habarana. It was envisioned that the implementation of this project would provide a base for proper disposal of roughly 300kg of waste food per day and meet part of the energy requirement of the resort.

Waste is clearly a big issue for hoteliers. However, examples of good waste management practice can be found across the international hospitality industry. They range from environmentally enlightened individuals at small establishments contributing in some way to well-orchestrated systems within large players.

The biogas digester will convert tonnes of kitchen waste to power resulting in the saving of LPG which will be utilized by the resort as an alternative energy source for cooking purposes. The success of the pilot project at Chaaya Village has encouraged the management to install the plant at John Keells Hotels latest venture, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy.

Reducing overall environmental impact by implementing numerous green practices and adopting a strong eco-conscious position is a principle responsibility of each of the John Keells Hotels properties.

Jayantissa Kehelpannala, Sector Head Sri Lankan Resorts explained, "Wherever possible, waste elimination at source is our number one priority. Converting it to reusable or recyclable material is an added benefit. The biogas plant gives us the possibility of changing from fossil to renewable fuel which is not only favourable to the hotel but mankind as a whole."

Waste generation at Chaaya Village Habarana and Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is roughly 109,500kg (109 MT) per year resulting in the manufacture of 4,854.5kg equivalent worth of LPG. The CO2 saving per hotel is 13,469kg roughly, 13.45MT.

The company aims to share the expertise gained from Chaaya Village and Cinnamon Citadel and implement biogas plants at all its hotels and resorts by the end of 2013.