Leaping Towards a Sustainable Future by Tripling Our Reliance on Solar Energy

At Jetwing Hotels, sustainability has been a guiding principle woven into every aspect of our operations for over 50 years. This year, we took a major leap forward by investing over USD 1 million to significantly expand our solar photovoltaic (PV) installations across all our properties in Sri Lanka, to triple our reliance on solar energy.

From Humble Beginnings to Solar Supercharge

Our journey with renewable energy traces back to 2010 when we installed our first solar PV system for guestroom lighting at Jetwing Blue in Negombo. Fast forward to today, we’re now supercharging our efforts with a significant 1.6-megawatt (MW) addition to our solar PV installations – a monumental task that began in December 2023 and is projected to be completed by July 2024.

Quiet Progress; Profound Impact
Once operational, an incredible 24% of our total electricity usage will be covered by solar power. That’s a threefold increase from our current 8% solar contribution. With this solar expansion, we’re projecting a remarkable reduction of over 1,200 metric tons in our annual carbon dioxide emissions. This significant milestone reinforces our standing as pioneers in sustainable tourism.

Innovating with Purpose
Innovation is at the core of our approach. At Jetwing Vil Uyana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, and Jetwing Kaduruketha, situated amidst the serene countryside of Wellawaya, we’re integrating solar PV systems into the roof structures of the car parks allowing us to effectively utilize available space within our resorts.

Furthermore, Jetwing Kaduruketha and Jetwing Surf will feature systems capable of generating surplus energy beyond their daytime requirements, with excess power being exported to the national grid.

Jetwing Safari Camp, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nestled at the edge of the Yala National Park, will be equipped with a 120kW, grid-tied Solar PV system, with panels mounted on the roof of each of our jungle Cabins. This solar PV system will play a pivotal role in mitigating the hotel’s carbon footprint with the emissions avoided from the total electricity generated are projected to surpass all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions; emissions produced directly from the facilities, and indirect emissions from the energy purchased and utilised by the hotel, respectively.

Creating a Butterfly Effect
Jetwing Hotels has been a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka, guided for five decades by the philosophy of our founder, the late Herbert Cooray. The need for conscious decisions to be made for the future of the planet and its people is greater than ever. We believe that making changes today, however small, can lead to a better future.
By sharing our journey of sustainability, what we have learnt, and what we hope to achieve, we aim to inspire change and create a butterfly effect.