“Climate change is the most pressing challenge that the industry, country, and the world face. The Higg Index scores and improvement areas have helped guide our management to pinpoint facilities requiring increased investment and focused attention.”

— Demith Gooneratne, [Former] Environmental Sustainability Manager at Hirdaramani Exports International Ltd

Headquartered in Kahathuduwa, Hirdaramani Exports International Ltd. is a leading sustainable apparel manufacturer that operates 20 facilities across Sri Lanka. Demonstrating its commitment to combatting climate change, the company achieved carbon-neutral status at its Mihila Factory in 2018, marking a significant milestone for Asia. Hirdaramani also harnesses the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) to evaluate and enhance its environmental performance in critical areas including energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and waste management.

By using the Higg Index to pinpoint environmental hotspots, the Hirdaramani sustainability team. Has implemented energy and emissions reduction initiatives such as implementing energy-efficient LED lighting, installing skylights, and developing worker awareness programs, and have made substantial progress in achieving their 2020 goals. The company partnered with a Sri Lankan renewable energy firm to install more than 21,000 solar PV panels on eight of its facilities, contributing significantly to reducing carbon emissions and lessening the need for cooling facilities. Hirdaramani’s commitment to sustainability not only aligns with global climate goals but also enhances business value, reducing operational costs, decreasing fossil fuel dependency, and strengthening partnerships with value chain collaborators. Their journey continues as they work towards a greener, more sustainable future with improved Higg Index scores and a reduced environmental footprint.