Heritance hotels have pioneered eco tourism in Sri Lanka. Geoffrey Bawa’s visionary architectural design has ensured that no lights are required anywhere in the hotel during daytime. All spaces are designed to receive an adequate amount of natural light. As a result of something as simple as the allowance for lighting, the hotel makes a substantial saving in the energy that is consumed. The hotel was built between two rock formations and none of the trees on the location were destroyed. The entire hotel is built on a raised platform allowing water to flow under the hotel. It also allows the free flow of animals under the hotel, creating a minimum impact on the eco system. Other state-of-the-art methods are utilized in every aspect of the hotel to ensure efficient use of energy and resources such as water. The hotel has a comprehensive energy conservation policy with power cut-off switches, energy efficient lighting (CFL bulbs), photo active garden lights and solar power hot water systems. The hotel has a comprehensive water conservation policy where no surface water is utilized. Water is obtained from 150-200 foot deep tube wells and a maze of gutters that collect rainwater. The property embraces a philosophy of sustainable development that encompasses the following areas: •Energy efficiency, conservation and management •Reduction of freshwater consumption •Waste water management •Minimization of waste, reuse and recycling •Air quality protection and noise control •Land use planning •Social and cultural development •Ecosystem conservation
The ancient lake and virgin rainforest next to the hotel remain in their pristine natural state, unpolluted by the presence of a large five star hotel. Not a piece of paper or polythene is allowed to escape from the hotel into its surroundings. All the waste water of the hotel is painstakingly recycled by a state-of-the art facility. Smoking is not encouraged. The conservation and recycling processes of the hotel are also designed to assist the social and economic growth of the villagers who live close to the hotel. The Heritance Kandalama is uniquely located within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, adjacent to an ancient man-made lake which is more than 2,000 years old. The hotel is committed to conserving and protecting this unique natural and cultural environment for the benefit of posterity. In order to prevent deforestation and the construction of artificial structures the hotel has purchased an additional 180 acres of virgin rain forest around the property. This forest functions as a private sanctuary, untainted by human touch. Sri Lanka has particularly strict laws to protect the environment and wildlife. We are proud to say that the Heritance Kandalama not only complies fully with these laws, but we also goes well beyond them; we take pleasure in our conservation work. We also respect the social and cultural sensitivities of the neighbouring communities, while assisting them economically. We purchase local products and services, and involve these communities in our environmental conservation work.