CDB, now Carbon Neutral
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) is now an ISO 14064-1
carbon verified financial institution.
Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Carbon Fund (Pvt) Limited (under
the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment), Buddhika
Hemashantha presented the Carbon Neutral Certification to Chief
Financial Officer, CDB, Damith Tennekoon at a ceremony at the CDB Head
Office recently. "CDB is the first to become a carbon verified financial
institution in South Asia," a company press release said.
The Sri Lanka Carbon Fund audited and verified the Carbon Neutral
certification process. The criteria included tracking carbon dioxide
emissions of all company owned vehicles, staff transportation, air
travel on official matters and energy consumption at the CDB Head Office
which was collated by CDB's business operations.
In 2015, CDB's carbon footprint was evaluated at 677 tonnes of CO2
equivalent; that prompted the company to institute measures that will
further mitigate the impact it has on the environment, the company said.
By purchasing carbon credits from Bogo Power (Pvt) Limited which has
a mini hydropower plant at the Kirkoswald Group in Bogowantalawa, CDB
compensated for its missions, obtaining the requisite approvals from the
Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka and Public Utilities
Commission of Sri Lanka. Bogo Power, a BOI project, was validated and
verified by the Sri Lanka Carbon Fund under the Sri Lanka Carbon
Crediting Scheme (SLCCS).The purchase of these carbon credits from Bogo
Power enables CDB to technically neutralise the impact the company has
had on the environment through its CO2 emissions.
Hemashantha said he was encouraged to observe the motivation of the
private sector and the commitment displayed to protect the planet with
timely and much needed green efforts. "Our aim is to support all
institutions to reduce their carbon footprint and then drive the nation
towards a low carbon blue-green economy. These initiatives are
imperative to create a sustainable future not only for our new
generation but also ourselves."
Tennakoon said the CDB is also spearheading the initiative to check
environmental pollution and protect the environment. |
