As climate change and environmental concerns dominate the global discourse, the International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment 2023 better known as “the Kandy Conference”, in Sri Lanka, is creating a platform to galvanize innovative solutions and strategies to create a more sustainable built environment in the country.
The conference, to be held on 15-17 December 2023 at the Earl’s Regency Hotel in Kandy, will bring together experts, professionals, and industry leaders in the pursuit of eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
“The built environment is among the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, so innovation in this area is pivotal in the global campaign to achieve global climate targets. Sustainable building practices are at the centre of our fight against climate change,” says Prof. (Eng.) Ranjith Dissanayake, Chairman of the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka, and who is organizing the Kandy conference. “By bringing together experts and policymakers and creating the space for constructive dialogue, we believe that we can catalyze positive change in the sustainable built environment in Sri Lanka for generations to come.”
Sustainable construction practices go hand-in-hand with responsible waste management. According to a World Bank report published in 2016, the world is expected to increase waste generation by 70 percent by 2050, from 2.01 billion tons of waste in 2016 to 3.40 billion tons of waste annually. The life cycle of buildings and infrastructure involves not only the construction phase but also the operation and eventual demolition. Each stage generates different types of waste, and effective waste management is essential to mitigate the environmental impact.
INSEE Sri Lanka, a leading player in the construction and building solutions industry in Sri Lanka, is among the key sponsors for the Kandy Conference. This partnership aligns with INSEE’s deep commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability. INSEE Ecocycle, INSEE’s waste management arm with two decades of expertise, plays a significant role in the company’s overall environmental, social, and governance ambition, which includes becoming greener, safer, more cost-effective, and positively impacting the environment and society at large.
A 2020 survey conducted in the Western Province highlighting construction and demolition, were largely used as landfilling material without proper management. This, coupled with the overexploitation of finite natural resources in the production of buildings and other civil constructions, was causing serious environmental issues.
INSEE Ecocycle plays a crucial role in highlighting the interconnectedness between sustainable built practices and effective waste management. “By embracing the principles of a circular economy, we not only manage waste efficiently but also contribute to the creation of a greener built environment,” says Sujith Gunawardana, General Manager, INSEE Ecocycle Sri Lanka. “Our commitment extends beyond responsible waste management; it’s about transforming construction practices to reduce environmental impact. Together, we are building a more resilient future for our communities through circularity and sustainable construction.”
INSEE Sri Lanka’s involvement goes beyond mere financial support; it showcases the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable construction practices. The sponsorship demonstrates a shared vision among industry leaders to transform the construction landscape, emphasizing the need to balance development with environmental conservation.
“This year’s Sustainable Built Environment conference is taking place after the COP28 conference, where topics such as the role of sustainable construction in building urban resilience and promoting community engagement are being explored,” adds the Chairman of the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka. “INSEE’s pivotal role as the primary sponsor, coupled with INSEE Ecocycle’s role in Sri Lanka, underscores the industry’s commitment to creating a built environment that balances human progress with environmental stewardship.”
The collaboration between sustainable construction practices and waste management services exemplifies the industry’s recognition of its responsibility in shaping a more sustainable future. The Kandy conference will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring participants to work collectively towards a greener and more sustainable future.