Sri Lanka has "actively" encouraged environmentally friendly investors and "environmental concerns will have a major impact on the development of future industries" locally, the country's Board of Investment (BOI) said this week.
It said "many of the leading players in the textile and garment industries" have adopted measures that have facilitated reduced global warming and chemical emissions, increased recycling, and fostered clean air, water and soil. In addition, BOI clients have also promoted "environmental awareness among their staff in addition to building and strengthening strong ties with local communities".
Further noted is that this BOI stance has led to three local projects, namely: The Brandix green factory in Seeduwa, MAS Intimates "Thurulie" and CKT Apparel "Mihila".
Announced as being rated Platinum under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building System of the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the Brandix green factory at Seeduwa is said to reduce Carbon Dioxide emission to the atmosphere by 80%, Sulfur Dioxide emission by 71% and Nitrogen Oxides by 92%. It has further achieved 46% energy savings, reduced water usage by 70% and recycled “almost all" solid waste generated at the factory.
Said to be powered entirely by "carbon neutral sources", the MAS Intimates "Thurulie" facility in Thulhiriya is a Platinum LEED garment factory which incorporated eco-friendly systems in all aspects of "design, energy, lighting, water usage, waste management, bio-diversity and worker well being". Additionally, even its construction utilised "eco-bricks" and an energy saving "evaporative cooling" system which saves 65% of the energy which would otherwise be consumed by air conditioners. In addition, solar panels provide 10% of the plant’s power.
Considered Gold LEED certified under the new construction category, the Hirdaramani Group's CKT Apparel "Mihila" is said to save 48% of its energy as well as replacing air conditioners with an evaporation cooling system; all of which allows for 75% energy savings. In addition, "Prismatic skylights", solar water heating, solar powered streetlights and solar panels also further reduce the factory's power requirements, while rainwater harvesting accounts for 60% savings of total water needs. |
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