Sustainable practices in Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA)

Abstract

As 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) introduced by the United Nations are being concerned by the Sri Lankan government, ‘sustainable development’ has become a buzz word in many organizations in Sri Lanka. Therefore, sustainable practices have become a timely concern and as a positive result, they can be evident as a growing tendency in many Higher Educational Institutes including SLIDA. Accordingly, the sole objective of this study was to identify the sustainable practices in SLIDA. As such, the data required for this survey was gathered through self-observation and interviews conducted with randomly selected 21 officers attached to the institute. Accordingly, nine strategic sustainable practices could be identified namely standardization in processes and practices by following Environmental Management Policy and 3R concept; efficient use of energy sources (solar energy, maximum use of daylight for indoor quality, water conservation, energy-saving methods); waste management in a resource center; composting and organic fertilizer; green space management (gardening & cultivation); sustainable productivity (biogas); environmental consciousness and awareness; paperless environment and resource sharing library practices. Apart from that, the staff has a great concern about the concept and their responsibility to achieve the green goal of the institution. On the circumstances of these practices, SLIDA was rewarded with Green Energy Champion Award - 2018 and Presidential Environment Award - 2019 “Silver Winner” under the Government Institutional Category. All these practices and honors depict the contribution of SLIDA as a government institute to achieve SDGs in Sri Lanka by enhancing not only environmental benefits but economic benefits and social benefits as well.