Aitken Spence inspires top management on green economy
Aitken Spence PLC recently conducted a forum to inspire its top management and sustainability team to explore opportunities in a green economy. The event ‘Going Green: Opportunities for Aitken Spence’ was held recently based on the 2012 theme declared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for t h e Wo rl d Environment Day - ‘Green Economy: Does It Include You?’
The keynote speech for the seminar was made by the World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka Diarietou Gaye, who delivered a talk on an apt topic at hand, ‘Towards a Green Economy: Role of the Corporate Sector’.
In her speech, Gaye highlighted the importance of the corporate sector to act as a catalyst driver for alternative and more sustainable ways of doing business in the country to evolve towards a green economy. She stated, “If Sri Lanka’s economic growth is to be sustainable; a transition to a green economy seems inevitable.
While the government will have to create enabling conditions for green economy and lead by example, the corporate sector has a responsibility to ensure this transition takes place by introducing fundamental changes in how business is conducted.”
The UNEP defines the green economy as one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Suggesting means to achieve this, Gaye stated, “The Sri Lanka Corporate Sector should look beyond the conventional business model and be innovative. Don’t wait for the government to lead the way; you –the private sector are the engines of growth. Take the initiative to be the engine of green growth.”
She acknowledged Aitken Spence for its good environmental management, mentioning Heritance Kandalama as a case point, but challenged the company to do further adding, ‘‘Do more, so that you are pioneers in the corporate transition to a green economy.”Gaye concluded her speech by requesting the organisation to initiate in accounting for environmental externalities when considering new business developments while exploring alternative sustainable options prior to expansion.
Her closing remarks, “This is your opportunity to show that you are shouldering a fair share in Sri Lanka’s transition to a green economy” left the attendees with some powerful thoughts to consider for each of their sectors.
Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC J.M.S.Brito stated the commitment placed by Aitken Spence in spearheading towards pushing Sri Lanka to a green economy – “This programme shares examples of how Aitken Spence has strategised to use the green economy to create value and growth for the group, which is for ourselves and also at the same time show our commitment as good corporate citizens who wants to make a difference in the world we live in.”