By Jagathdeva Vidanagama PhD

World Environment Day should drive focus on decarbonisation of Sri Lankan industries

Sri Lanka’s Energy Savers are industry leaders and energy practitioners who are determined to help the country slash energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions. They explain what they are doing to decarbonize Sri Lankan industries and why the time to act is now.

Mendaka Hettithanthri, Engineering Manager at Teejay Lanka, one of Southeast Asia’s largest fabric manufacturers, says the changing climate is a sure sign that industry must do more to lower its carbon emissions.

“You can already see how global warming is affecting Sri Lankans. We are an agricultural country … and the farmers used to know exactly when to harvest the crops and when to replant. Now the weather patterns are completely messed up.”

Nisal Liyanage, Manager of Group Compliance at leading Sri Lankan engineering company Hayleys Fentons Group, says there are also many business benefits to decarbonization, such as production cost savings: “We would see reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for greater energy independence for us as a country.”

“We are further incentivized by our foreign customers,” adds Mohomad Arshad, Environment, Health and Safety Manager at fabric manufacturer Hayleys Fabric. “Compliance with international controls and requirements related to green practices are essential for remaining competitive in the global market.”

Sharing knowledge

More knowledge is needed to help companies fully realize the potential of energy efficiency, says Nadeera Ramanayake, Assistant Director of Planning at Industrial Development Board of Ceylon.

She welcomes a new 12-month initiative spearheaded by United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the National Cleaner Production Centre Sri Lanka with support from the European Union. They are guiding a first group of 70 Energy Savers through an internationally recognized course on Energy Management Systems.

“Amidst the current energy crisis in the country, I thought that joining a project like this and getting knowledge is vital,” says Nadeera.

Changing behaviour

Damitha Sandanayaka, Energy Management Officer at Colombo Dockyard, says cutting energy waste requires new ways of acting at all levels of a business.

“I strongly believe that changing human behaviour is the key to improving energy efficiency, which is why training and awareness have become fundamental to our organization. We conduct regular training … [and] we also initiated Energy Management Week... This promotes awareness on the importance of energy management and encourages teams to work together to achieve energy efficiency goals.”

Making the switch to clean energy

Cutting energy waste often helps manufacturing companies better understand their energy use, creating a solid foundation upon which to build effective renewable energy solutions.

Asanka Manoj, Senior Manager of Production and Facility Maintenance at Flintec Transducers, describes how installing rooftop solar panels on the company’s plants cut daytime energy use by 65 to 70 per cent. This, coupled with energy efficiency measures, has helped Flintec significantly reduce energy costs and emissions.

But a number of Energy Savers caution against looking for a “magic bullet” to decarbonization. Rather, multiple solutions that use a variety of energy optimization and clean energy technologies are needed.

“[We need to take] a holistic approach,” says K. H. Thanushka at Watawala Plantations. “[That’s how] to unlock this potential and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

The writer is a specialist in climate change mitigation in industry and is Chief Technical Specialist for the Accelerating Industries Climate Response project in Sri Lanka implemented by UNIDO.  

The solar panel installation atop the Hayleys Fabric plant in Horana

An Energy Management Systems (EnMS) training in progress

UNIDO conducts regular training for Energy Savers across various industries

Photo caption : Chief Technical Specialist for the Accelerating Industries Climate Response project in Sri Lanka implemented by UNIDO Dr Jagathdeva Vidanagama