Unilever Sri Lanka, a renowned leader in sustainable business practices, secured the coveted Gold Award in the Clean Energy for Productive Uses category at the inaugural International Symposium on Green Industry Initiative for Sustainable Industrial Development (ISGSD 2024). This prestigious recognition celebrates Unilever Sri Lanka’s groundbreaking achievements in implementing innovative clean energy solutions that deliver a significant positive impact on the environment and the communities it touches.
Climate action is a fundamental principle within Unilever Sri Lanka’s global sustainability strategy. The company is deeply committed to fostering business growth while simultaneously driving positive change within the communities it serves. As a testament to this commitment, Unilever Sri Lanka has set an ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions across its entire value chain by the year 2039.
Unilever Sri Lanka’s dedication to clean energy is demonstrably evident in the company’s remarkable progress towards enhanced energy efficiency. Through a series of strategic initiatives, Unilever Sri Lanka’s Horana factory reduced energy consumption by an impressive 66% in 2023 compared to 2013. Similarly, the Unilever Ceytea factory in Agarapathana achieved a substantial 41% reduction in energy usage during the same period. A key driver of this success story is the recently implemented 2.33 MW Solar Power Project at the Horana factory, a clear demonstration of Unilever Sri Lanka’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources.
Unilever Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to sustainability extends beyond clean energy generation. The company was also recognized with a Bronze Award under the CSR and Responsible Production category for its impactful initiatives in promoting recyclable packaging, plastic reduction, and plastic collection. This year, Unilever Sri Lanka embarked on a collaborative effort with the Central Environmental Authority and the Marine Environment Protection Authority through a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership tackles a critical environmental challenge: cleaning and preserving the water quality of the Kelani River, highlighting Unilever Sri Lanka’s commitment to environmental stewardship that extends beyond its factory walls.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Gold Award for Clean Energy for Productive Uses at the ISGSD 2024 Industry Awards for Green Initiatives,” said Damith Abeyratne, Supply Chain Director at Unilever Sri Lanka. “Climate action is at the core of our business strategy, and we are proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing our environmental footprint. This recognition motivates us to continue exploring innovative solutions and accelerating our journey towards a truly sustainable future.”
The Industrial Development Board (IDB) applauded Unilever Sri Lanka’s dedication to sustainability. Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, Chairman of the Industrial Development Board of Ceylon (IDB) stated, “Unilever Sri Lanka’s achievements in clean energy serve as a shining example for other industries. By implementing these comprehensive sustainability initiatives, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s industrial sector.”
Unilever Sri Lanka’s success at the ISGSD 2024 Industry Awards for Green Initiatives underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive sustainability practices. The company’s journey serves as an inspiration for businesses of all sizes to embrace clean energy solutions and prioritize environmental responsibility for a sustainable future.