Internationally benchmarked climate action

Aitken Spence PLC reached a defining moment in its sustainability journey, becoming the first diversified holdings company in Sri Lanka to have its emission reduction targets validated by SBTi. For a Group whose operations span 17 industry sectors and several geographical regions, this complexity is amplified. Each sector presents unique challenges, from energy-intensive operations to service-oriented businesses with wide networks and value chains. Bringing these diverse units together under a unified climate strategy calls on a comprehensive understanding of operational processes, a robust governance framework, a mature system and consistent monitoring mechanisms to ensure measurable outcomes.

According to UNEP's latest Emissions Gap Report, global temperatures are likely to exceed 1.5°C within the next decade and the window for meaningful action is narrowing. 2024 was the first calendar year in human history to exceed 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, the very threshold the Paris Agreement was agreed to prevent. Corporates have a critical role to play in addressing climate change, and global expectations for corporate climate action are justifiably rising.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organisation designed to address this responsibility, enabling companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. An independent global organisation that reviews whether corporate climate targets are in line with the level of action needed to tackle climate change, SBTi was initially founded as a collaboration between CDP, United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition, World Resources Institute (WRI), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

SBTi validation strengthens the credibility of Aitken Spence’s climate commitments by anchoring its emissions reduction pathway to independently verified science‑based thresholds. This enhances confidence among investors and other stakeholders by demonstrating that the Group’s decarbonisation trajectory is aligned with global climate science rather than internally defined benchmarks.

Commenting on this achievement, Chairman/Chairperson of Aitken Spence PLC, Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena said, “Receiving SBTi validation for our targets is a proud milestone for Aitken Spence and an important indicator of where we are headed as a Group. As global expectations around climate responsibility continue to evolve, we believe businesses must lead with clarity, accountability and ambition. This recognition reflects our willingness to take bold decisions, transform the way we operate, and align our growth ambitions with internationally accepted climate goals. Across our diverse businesses and markets, sustainability will continue to shape how we invest, innovate and create long-term value for all stakeholders.”

By achieving this validation, the Group attests that large, multi-sector organisations can pursue climate responsibility with coherence and measurable impact, even while managing the complexities inherent to diverse business operations.

This landmark achievement is further reinforced by Aitken Spence’s longstanding track record of pioneering sustainability-led innovation across industries. The Group is the first and only company in Sri Lanka to invest in a waste-to-energy power project through Western Power Company, pioneered the world’s first LEED Gold certified hotel with Heritance Kandalama, and established the first carbon neutral, green printing facility in the South Asian region through Aitken Spence Printing.

Looking ahead, the validated targets provide a clear framework for guiding future investments, initiatives and partnerships, while supporting more informed responses to climate‑related risks and emerging regulatory expectations. In doing so, SBTi validation reinforces sustainability as a core element of the Group’s long‑term strategy and resilience.

Heritance Kandalama – First LEED Gold certified hotel in the world

Western Power Company – First and Only Waste to Energy Power Plant in Sri Lanka

Aitken Spence Printing – First carbon neutral, green printing facility in the South Asian region