Mahesh Amalean took a Risk

First in the World

Mahesh Amalean, the chairman of MAS Holdings took a risk when he chose the academics of the University of Moratuwa to design the Green factory at Thulhiriya. The MAS Intimates Thurulie is the first newly built factory in the world to be awarded the Platinum Award given by the Green Building Rating System of the US. This is the first factory in the world to win the award. Marks and Spencer has a program for environmental and social sustainability called Plan A. It invited 3 Sri Lankan companies which supplies them goods to build Green factories. MAS was the first to build a new factory under this programme.

What Green Means

Design

The building is designed for low energy consumption. The orientation and massing of building volumes and the design of windows maximise the use of natural light and ventilation. A part of the roofs have solar panels another trees and grass the rest white metal that reflects solar energy.

Power - Clean Energy

The factory is powered by carbon neutral sources. Solar 10% and 90% hydro electric power plant. The energy consumption has been reduced by using efficient equipment, natural light and ventilation and a evaporative cooling system. Task lighting is used instead of floodlighting used in other factories.

Water

The use of potable water is 50 % of comparable factories. Rain water is used and waste water is treated.

Trees

400 trees were planted to minimise the carbon footprint. The trees makes the environment pleasant for the workers and cools the factory.

University of Moratuwa Produced the Stars

Moratuwa Graduates

Team Leader - Vidhura Ralapanawa

Architect - Sanjeewa Lokuliyana

Moratuwa Academics

Architecture and conceptual Framework - Prof. Rohinton Emanuel

Civil Engineering - Prof. Thishan Jayasinghe

Building materials - Dr. Chintha Jayasinghe

Energy and Cooling Systems - Prof. Rahula Attalage

Chemical Engineering - Prof. Ajith de Alwis

( Info. from Holcim Foundation book - Clothing Factory in Sri Lanka)

Over to you - the VC of the University of Mortuwa

Why aren't the buildings being built at your university green since the uni has all the expertise needed. Lot of electricity is used for AC and lighting. Ok, so you have to go for the minimum cost in construction to get funds from the government. Surely you can explain the concept to the government. Champika Ranawana the former minister of environment will understand you since he too is a graduate of your uni.

Mr. Amalean set an example

Mr. Amalean trusted the local academics. He chose them over foreign consultants who would have cost more and who do not know the local conditions. We have academics who have studied at the best foreign universities. They are underutilised in this country. If they are used for projects, like Mr. Amalean did, it would reduce brain drain and encourage qualified Lankans to return to this country. We need all the help we can get to develop this country.

Thank you Mr. Amalean for trusting the Lankan academics and for setting an example for the private and public sector.