Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Sri Lanka

Heritance Kandalama

8.9

Excellent

From $166

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel is a pioneer in sustainable tourism, holding LEED and Green Globe certifications. It treats and repurposes 100% of wastewater, aims for zero waste to landfill, and conserves a significant forest area around the property. It utilizes rainwater harvesting and solar panels for water and energy needs.

Jetwing Lake

Hotel in Dambulla

9.3

Excellent

From $141

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This hotel utilizes a biomass boiler and a large solar photovoltaic system, including bi-facial panels, for significant energy needs. It has an onsite water bottling plant, treats 100% of wastewater, uses a biogas digester, and offers guided sustainability tours for guests.

Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Resort in Sigiriya

8.8

Excellent

From $349

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Built on a restored wetland, this resort harvests rainwater, treats wastewater for irrigation, and uses a biogas plant for food waste. Construction uses locally-sourced natural materials, and an onsite water bottling plant reduces plastic waste. It is recognized internationally as a leading eco-hotel.

Uga Ulagalla - Anuradhapura

Resort in Sigiriya

9.5

Excellent

From $347

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Part of a group committed to GSTC guidelines, this resort features one of the largest solar farms among hotels in Sri Lanka. It implements water conservation practices, is phasing out single-use plastics, and supports community and wildlife conservation initiatives like addressing human-elephant conflict.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive

Resort in Yala

9.7

Excellent

From $638

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This lodge is a pioneer in sustainable resort design, using natural and locally sourced materials like bamboo and reclaimed teak. It features solar panels for energy, a water management system that desalinates ocean water and recycles it for animal waterholes, and on-site organic waste composting. The design minimizes environmental impact and blends seamlessly with the landscape. They also work with local conservation organizations and are building a Leopard and Climate Change research station.

Jetwing Kaduruketha

Resort in Wellawaya

8.7

Very Good

From $135

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

As an agro-tourism hotel, Jetwing Kaduruketha integrates farming into the guest experience. The hotel promotes traditional Sri Lankan village life, supports local farmers, and operates with sustainable energy and waste management systems.

Moksha at Kitulgala - Rainforest Boutique Hotel

Hotel in Kitulgala

9.2

Excellent

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Designed with sustainable architecture, this hotel has a farm-to-table concept with organically grown vegetables and fruits from its greenhouse, aiming for 80% self-produced ingredients. It sources fresh seafood and meat from local farmers. The hotel is recognized for its sustainability efforts and is located in a tropical rainforest zone.

Questionnaire

Certifications:

ISO 21401 Sustainable Accommodation

ISO 14024 Ecolabelling

ISO 14001 Environmental management systems

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

Hydro

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Building materials from sustainable resources

Written environmental policy statement in place

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Windows that block heat/cold (i.e. triple-glazed windows)

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

LED lighting throughout the premises

Environmental manager appointed

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Bicycles provided to guests

Electric car charging station(s) available

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Wastewater is reused after treatment

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
We also work with a lot of local cottage businesses, promoting the extraction of Cinnamon etc. among our guests.

Flameback Eco Lodge

Hotel in Tissamaharama

9.0

Excellent

From $216

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Flameback Eco Lodge is committed to environmental and community contributions, donating a portion of room revenue to an Eco & Social development fund. They use environmentally friendly, biodegradable materials in construction, energy-conserving LED lighting, and have a wastewater treatment plant. They avoid plastic products and use recycled paper and glass bottles.

Questionnaire

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Recycling bins in guest rooms

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Aarunya Nature Resort - Kandy

Resort in Kandy

9.0

Excellent

From $451

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort is committed to sustainability, being solar-powered, plastic-free, and water-self-sufficient with an on-site water treatment plant. It uses solar-heated water for showers and water-saving devices on taps. The Aarunya Nature Foundation oversees initiatives in biodiversity enhancement, biodynamic farming, reforestation, and community development, sourcing produce from its organic estate and local farmers.

Kalundewa Retreat

Resort in Dambulla

8.3

Very Good

From $138

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Set on 100 acres with minimal dwellings to reduce environmental impact, this retreat generates 100% of its electricity from solar panels. It features an organic farm using compost, a water management system supporting local farmers, and uses electric vehicles and bicycles for transport.

Uga Jungle Beach - Trincomalee

Resort in Trincomalee

8.6

Very Good

From $164

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort incorporates sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, composting organic waste for gardens, and eliminating single-use plastic water bottles by using reusable glass ones. It utilizes sustainable materials in its construction and sources ingredients locally for its restaurant. The resort also actively engages in beach cleanups.

Nilaveli Beach Resort - Level 1 Certified

Hotel in Nilaveli

8.8

Excellent

From $130

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort is Level 1 Certified, indicating a high commitment to sustainability. It actively implements waste elimination and diversion strategies and is part of a local community focused on preserving natural beauty and marine life.

Santani Wellness Kandy

Hotel in Kandy

9.0

Excellent

From $411

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort is built on a philosophy of sustainability, utilizing reclaimed materials in construction and natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption by over 70%. It features high-capacity solar panels for electricity, an advanced Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) that irrigates 80% of its gardens, and transforms organic waste into biogas for cooking and heating. The resort also emphasizes local and organic ingredients sourced from its on-site greenhouse and beekeeping.

Elements Beach & Nature Resort

Resort in Kalpitiya

9.4

Excellent

From $111

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort utilizes solar energy, maintains an on-site garden, and prioritizes local sourcing. It actively reduces plastic usage and uses traditional ox carts for some transportation and beach cleaning. Accommodations are sustainably built from coconut palm trees with natural ventilation.

Jetwing Yala

Hotel in Yala

8.5

Very Good

From $149

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Jetwing Hotels generally have a strong focus on sustainability, with initiatives in energy efficiency, waste management, and community engagement. While specific details for Jetwing Yala's individual eco-friendly practices weren't extensively detailed in the search results, the brand's overall commitment to sustainable tourism suggests a level of eco-consciousness at this property.

Karpaha Sands

Resort in Pasikuda

9.8

Excellent

From $147

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This resort promotes a sustainable ethos, blending luxurious comfort with environmentally friendly practices, although specific details of their eco-initiatives are not provided in the given data.

Questionnaire

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Green roof

Building materials from sustainable resources

Written environmental policy statement in place

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

LED lighting throughout the premises

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Bicycles provided to guests

Electric car charging station(s) available

Wastewater is reused after treatment

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Sustainability and community development have been at the core of Karpaha Sands’ values and project since inception and integrated throughout all parts of our hotel to a most probably unmatched level in Sri Lanka.

At Karpaha Sands, we are proud to contribute to the transformation of the East Coast by actively seeking to employ and train people from nearby villages, often from scratch, giving them the opportunity to find a stable employment opportunity and train as professional hoteliers despite their lack of formal education. A large part of our team has been with us since even before the hotel opening and continues to grow with us, although several went on to develop their career further in the country or overseas. Karpaha Sands is in particular the main employer for the nearby Kiran village and provides livelihood for many families in the village.

Jim's Farm Villas

Hotel in Madawala

9.7

Excellent

From $169

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Focuses on organic farming and sustainable living. Offers guests an immersive experience in eco-friendly agriculture and promotes local produce.

Questionnaire

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Building materials from sustainable resources

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

LED lighting throughout the premises

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Bicycles provided to guests

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Wastewater is reused after treatment

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Organic waste is composted

Zero-waste hotel/accommodation

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
We run our 50 acre organic spice farm commercially selling coconuts, mango, cinnamon, coffee and coffee. Our whole site absorbs some 60 tonnes carbon pa.
Our water comes from our own aquifer and is triple filtered-sand, charcoal and UV- before it connects to guest bedrooms. The water can be drunk direct from the taps so we don’t supply plastic water bottles.
All roof rain water is used for farm irrigation. All grey water is collected and treated before being used for farm irrigation.
All our foods are from our farm or local village suppliers.
All food waste is consumed by our farm animals-chicken, turkey and Guinea fowl.
Our coconut trees produce some 50 huge dead leaves daily. These are burnt into bio charcoal in a sealed container. The bio charcoal adds to soil fertility and humus production.

Fort Bazaar

Hotel in Galle

9.4

Excellent

From $167

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Fort Bazaar is listed among hotels taking steps towards sustainability in Galle. Specific details about their eco-friendly practices are not readily available, but their inclusion suggests some level of commitment.

Questionnaire

Certifications:

Travelife

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Written environmental policy statement in place

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Windows that block heat/cold (i.e. triple-glazed windows)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

LED lighting throughout the premises

Environmental manager appointed

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Bicycles provided to guests

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

An energy audit is carried out at least once every five years

Sooriya Resort & Spa

Resort in Tangalle

8.1

Very Good

From $67

$

Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Sooriya Resort & Spa prioritizes conservation and sustainability. It harnesses solar energy for hot water generation and harvests rainwater for its gardens. The resort's effluent treatment plant recycles water for plant growth and nourishes its vegetable garden. It supports the local rural economy by purchasing produce from villagers at fair prices and prioritizes line-caught fish from local fishermen for sustainability.

Questionnaire

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Written environmental policy statement in place

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Windows that block heat/cold (i.e. triple-glazed windows)

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

LED lighting throughout the premises

Environmental manager appointed

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Bicycles provided to guests

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Wastewater is reused after treatment

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
Own effluent treatment plant (ETP) on site. We use the water from this for secondary use of watering the gardens.. and the solids are use as fertiliser in our market garden

Insight Resort Ahangama - S&S Other Certified

Hotel in Ahangama

8.5

Very Good

From $46

$

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Insight Resort Ahangama is S&S Other Certified and has received the Travel Sustainable Badge from Booking.com. It utilizes solar radiation for energy, maximizes airflow and natural light to reduce energy consumption, and engages in reforestation and wildlife conservation. The resort practices rainwater collection, uses non-toxic cleaning products, and serves organic food.

Questionnaire

Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?

Solar radiation

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Rainwater collection and usage

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

LED lighting throughout the premises

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Toilets flush up to 6 litres per flush

Wastewater is reused after treatment

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

Recycling bins in guest rooms

No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The hotel works to reduce its environment impact by employing sustainable best practices in maintenance, services. This may include reducing energy and water consumption using environmentally friendly product.