Bogawantalawa Tea Estates has been awarded the North American Sustainability Tea Award (NASTA) for its project, “The Climate Positive Journey,” at the 2024 North American Tea Conference (NATC) held in Ontario, Canada.
The award acknowledges the company’s leadership in sustainable tea production and its efforts to address environmental and social challenges within the global tea industry.
The NATC, held from September 24 to 26 in Ontario, brought together key players in the tea sector to discuss sustainable practices and recognise contributions to environmental stewardship.
Setting new standards
Bogawantalawa Tea Estates, founded in 1869 in Sri Lanka’s Golden Valley, has achieved several milestones in sustainability. The estate has cultivated a reputation for producing premium-quality Ceylon tea while embracing environmentally responsible practices. Its recognition for achieving uncompensated climate-positive status in 2019 yoing beyond the uncompensated carbon neutral status achieved in 2017, marks a significant milestone in its journey, demonstrating that sustainable practices can drive profitability and environmental stewardship hand in hand. Bogawantalawa is also certified for 100% renewables or net zero energy facility which means Bogawantalawa produce all their teas with only renewable energy.
The award-winning “Climate Positive Journey” initiative incorporates emissions reduction, renewable energy integration, and sustainable farming practices. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of tea production while enhancing productivity and ensuring high-quality output.
In 2021, Bogawantalawa earned Climate Neutral Certification from the Climate Neutral Group in the Netherlands. This certification highlights the company’s transparent and rigorous approach to emissions tracking and reduction, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in climate responsibility.
The estate’s innovative strategies include extensive emissions reduction initiatives, climate smart agriculture, renewable energy integration, and sustainable farming practices. These initiatives not only boost productivity but also ensure premium quality and that tea production processes adhere to the principles of environmental stewardship. By shifting towards integrated nutrition management and renewable energy sources, Bogawantalawa continues to position itself as a trailblazer in sustainable teamcultivation.
Holistic approach to sustainability
Bogawantalawa’s strategy includes climate-smart agriculture, advanced water and soil management, waste reduction systems, and agroforestry. These measures are designed to tackle climate variability and improve resilience while maintaining biodiversity and promoting sustainable farming practices. The company’s efforts extend to community development, with initiatives that empower women, promote organic farming, and support education and healthcare. These programs aim to uplift local communities and ensure that sustainability benefits are shared broadly.
Industry leadership
Chairman D. J. Ambani emphasised that sustainability is integral to Bogawantalawa’s operations, aligning with global goals for environmental and social development.” Recognised for the sixth consecutive year as a Climate Positive company, our efforts represent a significant endorsement from a global platform for our impact in the tea industry. Through innovative practices, community-focused initiatives, and extensive environmental stewardship, we are not only minimising our ecological footprint but also enhancing the quality of life for our employees and surrounding communities”, he added.
Executive Director Lalith Munasinghe highlighted the company’s role as the first tea producer to achieve climate-positive status using 100% renewable energy. He called on industry stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic priorities.
Dr. Thusitha Bandara, Director of Sustainability, underscored the importance of integrating climate-resilient agricultural practices with community development to create a model for long-term sustainability. “ We believe in nurturing a sustainable future where every decision contributes to a legacy of environmental responsibility and social equity, driving us to inspire a global movement towards sustainable tea production for generations to come”, he added.
