Partnering Innovation – Workshop on Photovoltaic Technology

Live installation of PV solar systems at the University premises

Following through on the vision to partner and support innovative technology, JLanka Technologies partnered the workshop on photovoltaics held at the University of Kelaniya on the 18^th and 19^th of January.

The workshop featured sessions delivered by eminent personalities such as Prof. Siva Sivananthan, Dr. Tim Coutts, Dr. Tim Gessert, Dr. Ramesh Dhere, Dr. Mowafak Al-Jassim and John Miller.

As the co-sponsor of the event, JLanka supported in the organizing requirements of the event and further demonstrated a live installation of PV solar systems at the University premises.

Many of the distinguished scientists in the panel presented their research and work in the fields of renewable energy, addressing pressing questions on global warming and climate change. PV solutions were demonstrated to be the most suitable sustainable energy relaying technology available for future consumption with rapid commercialization and advancement seen in recent years.

Prof. Siva Sivananthan, the Founder and Chairman of Sivananthan Laboratories Inc. among his peers has had great recent success. His work in the field of night vision technology has contributed to the success and safety of US troops in their operations.

A Sri Lankan born in Jaffna, and a former student of Hindu College, Sivananthan now lives in the US and is attached the University of Illinois, Chicago. He is credited with the invention of the popularly used night vision technology and has been recognized by the White House for his contributions to the field.

Speaking at the forum, Prof. Sivananthan introduced the idea of establishing Sri Lanka as a solar hub for the region, a move that will greatly alleviate the energy consumption of the future.

The two-day workshop was concluded successfully on the 19^th of January with the attendance of many academics and students engaged in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. 

The Next Step in Solar Cell Efficiency - More Power at Low Light

PERC technology increases the overall panel performance by increasing a cell’s ability to capture light. 

Innovative total green energy solutions provider JLanka Technologies in another pioneering venture introduced the latest solar panel technology being used by their global partners Trina Solar which allows solar panels to be more efficient in their assigned tasks.

Trina Solar gives a “second chance” 

In traditional solar panels when an electron reaches the back surface of the panel it loses its ability to contribute to the electricity generation process. However, with Trina Solar’s Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) technology electrons now literally have a “second chance” to be actively involved in the electricity generation. The electrons work on a bounce back effect that brings them to the front of the panel periodically which generates more electricity. These efficiency improved solar panels are now being widely used across the world and have become an instant success due to their efficiency and high rate of productivity. 

Speaking on the launch of this innovative product, a representative from JLanka Technologies notes, “JLanka Technologies has always been a company known for its innovation and ability to bring sustainable energy solutions to Sri Lanka. With this new Trina Solar PERC technology the possibilities are endless, especially since we are a tropical country with sunshine for most of the year. The power generation capacities of the solar panels are greater with these panels and we look forward to many new customers benefiting by choosing this product as their energy solution.”

 

Explaining the technology - More power at Low Light

PERC technology will generate more current due to the reflection of  light at the backside of the cell.

Explaining the technology in laymen terms he added, “Imagine the difference between driving on a regular traffic-congested road and a highway. The efficiency is definitely higher on a highway drive that is also smooth and more productive in terms of time. This is the difference presented by the new PERC technology.”

 In traditional technology sunlight used to generate solar electricity can be categorized as shorter wave lengths light and longer wavelengths lights. Generally, shorter wave length light (blue) contributes more to generate solar electricity than longer wavelength light (red). When the sun is at an angle in the mornings and evenings and or cloudy days, blue light will be absorbed by the atmosphere as it has a longer path to travel to the Earth’s surface than when the Sun is directly overhead. This eventually drops the performances of solar cells. 

However, with PERC technology it increases the overall panel performance by increasing a cell’s ability to capture light. It creates a new layer between the top layer and the back layer of the solar cell structure. When an electron of a red light reaches this new layer, it will reflect the electron towards the top layer and gives the electron a second chance to generate current. This enables not just greater efficiency but also reduces temperature, and generates more power in weak light.

 A residential solar panel system generally consists of about 20-30 panels while an industrial set-up is made up of about 700. As each panel built with the PERC technology becomes more efficient, the entire system generates more power. As solar panels come with a 25 year warranty, it would amount to a large production of electricity over the years saving customers money and contributing greatly to environment protection. These are all benefits that JLanka customers who choose the latest PERC technology solar panels can enjoy.

 The latest solar panels built to PERC technology will be exclusively available at JLanka Technologies in capacities to suit both the domestic and industrial markets. 

Call Atheek on 077 017 1105 for more details on advanced features of JLanka solar power solutions or email to : Support@jlankatech.com 

US & Europe Fire Safety standard solar solutions now in Sri Lanka

JLanka Technologies in pursuit of increasing integration, energy efficiency, environmental awareness, and technological advancements through its products and services is now advocating and empowering citizens on mitigating crisis and fire safety precautions.

“For the most part, the solar power industry is unregulated,” said the Technical Manager at JLanka, Channa Mudalige. “But there is a continuing upward trend for not just commercial users but for homes to opt for solar energy solutions and it is with this in mind that we’re now advocating and empowering them with the know-how on how to better prepare themselves in the event of a fire.”

Workshop for Firefighters 

As part of this unique initiative, JLanka hosted a workshop recently at the Kadawatha Arpico Super Centre. Invited to the workshop were firefighters and security officers from the same vicinity. 

Both as a Corporate Social Responsibility and a mandate of the company itself, JLanka Technologies has been hosting a series of seminars and workshops across the country in a bid to empower citizens with know-how and understanding of solar power, solar photovoltaic (PV) and fire safety measures. 

According to Nipun Silva, Safety Engineer of JLanka Technologies, SolarEdge offers a PV power harvesting system that consists of power optimizers connected to each module, a PV inverter and module-level monitoring. Additionally, SolarEdge systems have a built-in safety feature that reduces safety risks.

When power optimizers are connected to the PV modules, the modules continue in “operation mode” only as long as a signal from the inverter is constantly renewed. 

In the absence of this signal, power optimizers automatically go into safety mode, shutting down DC current as well as voltage in module and string wires.

The SolarEdge system, with the integral SafeDC feature, ensures complete safety for firefighters working with PV modules, eliminates the risk of electrocution, and is the only inverter solution that is certified in Europe as a DC disconnect.

Comply with Global Fire Safety Standards

A solar power system protected by the SolarEdge SafeDC 

Same solar power system without the protection of SolarEdge SafeDC

In the United States, for example, the National Electric Code, NEC 2014 requires rapid shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings. As part of this requirement, DC voltage from 10 foot from the edge of the array to the inverter has to be lower than 30VDC within 10 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. The SolarEdge solution complies with this requirement. 

Another example is the German application guide, VDE- AR-E 2100-712 requires, among other things, that after switching off the AC power supply, emergency forces will not expose themselves to the risk of direct contact with DC cables, which still carry a voltage greater than 120 volts DC.

SolarEdge SafeDC™ - Superior DC Safety Solution

To get more information about JLanka fire safety solutions in solar PV installations, contact Nipun Silva, Safety Engineer of JLanka Technologies on 077 543 2065. 

For other inquires, contact 077 01234 67 or email to : support@jlankatech.com

JLanka Technologies is the next generation solution provider which has been instrumental in promoting better health conditions and productivity through redefining energy usage. Under a five-fold mission J Lanka Technologies generates clear energy, manages your electricity consumption, makes your home smarter, transforms your business and saves water through their unique products and services.

J Lanka to showcase how to “Redefine Energy” at Techno Sri Lanka 2015

J Lanka Technologies, the #1 solar provider in Sri Lanka will “Redefine Energy” and guide Sri Lanka towards a cleaner and greener future by playing a key role at this year’s Techno Sri Lanka 2015 exhibition. Techno Sri Lanka is the only exhibition, which features the widest range of engineering and technology products and services.

J Lanka Technologies as the next generation solution provider with emotional and functional connectivity has been instrumental in improving greater health conditions and productivity through redefining energy usage, connected automation and saving water. Under a five fold mission J Lanka Technologies generates clear energy, manages your electricity consumption, makes your home smarter, transforms your business and saves water through their unique products and services.

J Lanka Technologies is gearing up to putting all of the solutions mentioned above together in order to create an integrated solutions package. This will be the first time that we attempt this exercise as a measure to provide greater and more useful solutions to our clients. These integrated solutions being offered at Techno 2015 will no doubt add value to both existing and future customers. Our passion is to save energy and water. We save energy by redefining the energy usage with the ePro 1000 electricity monitoring system while saving water by minimizing the usage with Nano Shield. We also have solutions to harvest the energy of the sun, monitor usage, automate certain areas, and provide intelligence to machines, aid in electrified transportation, and cleaning systems with the minimum usage of water.

By providing these solutions J Lanka Technologies is once again setting a trend in the technology market which they pioneered with solar systems. In a future that is heading towards integration, energy efficiency, environmental awareness and protection, and technological advancements to make life better for all, J Lanka Technologies is diversifying in an attempt to have a one-stop-shop for solutions that provide all of the above.

SolarEdge is now trading on the NASDAQ

SolarEdge is a provider of power optimise, solar inverter and monitoring solutions for photovoltaic arrays.  SolarEdge has revolutionised the solar energy industry by transforming traditional solar energy conversion into a more measurable and concentrated method ensuring maximum harvest of the solar energy.

Today vast amount of information, which is sometime conflicting, can create confusion in understanding the core and benefits of different technologies. In a nutshell the difference and most meaningful parameter is the fact that Solaredge technology controls and monitors the performance of every PV module thus ensuring optimal performance of the full installation.

Traditional technologies which indeed still represent declining portion of PV installations, controls and monitors at the inverter level and is thus susceptible to undetected issues and a sub optimal performance.

Solaredge system had maximised the power generation of residential, commercial and large-scale PV system installations by up to 25%, giving consumer faster return on investment compared to traditional solar power systems.

SolarEdge is now trading as SEDG on the NASDAQ stock market which is the second largest exchange in the US and world by market capitalisation and trading volume. Listing in NASDAQ means SolarEdge gets a better brand recognition, diversity, and transparency in their trading and attract investor due to their confidence in NASDAQ listed companies. And this achievement gives SolarEdge the edge to give the company and its shareholder the best return on investments.

JLanka Technologies (Pvt) Ltd has partnered with SolarEdge since 2010 bringing the innovation to pearl of Indian Ocean. Ever since they have worked together to standardised the quality and standards set by SolarEdge globally in Sri Lanka. SolarEdge entering into NASDAQ stock market is an achievement not only for SolarEdge or JLanka but also for the consumers as they are opting for internationally recognised next generation solar energy harvesting product and service.

TRINA SOLAR ON A MISSION TO TRANSFORM SRI LANKA

JLanka Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, the pioneers in promoting Solar Energy in Sri Lanka have been distributing reliable and clean solar energy to residents and commercial industries in the country. With over 750 Installation island wide within a period of five years, JLanka leads the industry with unbeatable quality, innovation excellence and the best after sales service.

Share Knowledge and Standardize Quality

Trina Solar the global leaders in PV modules and solutions, considers JLanka as the valuable partner in the Asian Region since 2010. Trina Solar visited Sri Lanka on 27th March as part of their regular visit and continuous support to strengthen the relationship, share knowledge, standardize quality and guide JLanka technically to promoting clean solar energy to residents of Sri Lanka. JLanka conducted series of staff training and technology discussions with visiting Trina Solar technical staff; JLanka is always finding ways to improve their value added solutions and services their loyal customers. During their stay Trina Solar also visited major upcoming projects and inspected already installed solar projects to meet clients to get feedback and discuss future technology trends.

Overall the visit gave the consumer an advantage to make the wise choice when opting for a solar energy solution, as JLanka is backed with globally recognized product support. Being the sole partner of Trina Solar, empowers JLanka to provide quality and service to its end consumers.

Trina Solar - Clean and Reliable Solar Energy

Trina Solar - Founded in 1997 as a PV system integrator and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006, the Company today drives smart energy together with installers, distributors, utilities, and developers worldwide. The Company's premium PV modules have brought clean and reliable solar energy to residential, commercial, industrial and utility applications, on-grid or off-grid, around the world. Trina Solar has partnered with many of the world's leading PV research institutes to advance solar technology, and create cutting-edge solutions for our customers.

JLanka along with Trina Solar continue to make great progress in improving product/system efficiency and bringing down the cost of solar energy, enhancing its ability and responsibility to combat climate changes.

Environment Concerns of Harley-Davidson - The King of the Highway Cruising Bikes!

Emission off-setted Harley Owners Group Tour of Sri Lanka

Harley-Davidson, the king of the highway cruising bikes, is the only company to survive the great depression. Founded in 1903, they are the pioneers in heavy weight motor cycles. All of their bikes has bigger engines, raising the concerns it has on environment. However, they have the utmost aim and objective about the environment to think differently to preserve and renew for long term success. Their manufacturing facilities always aspire to reach zero landfill status.

Manufacturing sites  of Harley Davidson are continually working to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and other operations, including on-going efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling and reduce water use and energy consumption.   Further, the manufacturing sites establish annual targets for energy consumption and seek year over year improvement.   

Harley-Davidson Sustainability: Preserve and Renew the Freedom to Ride

Everyone should be passionate about future generations of riders by sharing the Harley Davidson experiences that can be enjoyed.  The purpose is clear; that is to fulfil dreams of personal freedom.  Their sustainability vision is simple.;  present generation preserve and renew the freedom to ride.

Waste reduction and recycling plays a unique part in the field of environment. The wastes,  that released from a cement manufacturing company are used as fuel in the kilns and the remaining ash is incorporated in to the cement.  The Power train operations reduced waste and diverted more of that waste from landfill through both new recycle and re-use streams resulting in a waste to land fill decreasing to the percentage of 5.9%.

The power train plant could reduce the amount of trash sent to land fill by 24% through increased recycling.  A new container system that gives clear messaging where common items should go was introduced.  As a result , the amount of recycling increased to nearly 10,000 pounds in 2012, with the average amount of mixed recyclables increasing from around 680 lbs per month at the beginning of the year to an average of 800 lbs per month by the end of the year.  In the same way, approximately four tons of compostable material from the cafeteria is sent to an Urban Farm.  Harley-Davidson Museum’s restaurant began purchasing locally grown produce from the farm.

Usage of water is also another critical factor in relation to the environment.  They reduced the water intake by 1,166,000 gallons.  The water reductions were the result of the full implementation of a new powder coat system.  The new system uses far less water, pulling  water only when needed it versus using a continuous flow of water, which spilled unused water down the drain.  It also uses sensors that automatically take water in as needed and shut off when unused.

Improving Social Impact

Harley Davidson U.S. manufacturing sites establish annual targets for energy consumption and seek year over year improvement.  The completion of a new powder coat line that uses residual heat from baking ovens to warm the water for the power coat washers has increased energy efficiency in the site.  The conversion of the power coat operation from two lies to the new single system has reduced natural gas consumption by 32%.  In addition, it installed a new chilled water system, and the facility has been exclusively repair compressed air leaks throughout the entire plant.

Those sites successfully shed power during the summer to conserve electricity.  HVAC units were shut down on peak demand days which conserved electricity during the summer heat. Power shedding of electricity was 0.5 Mkw for six hours. This was done on six different days and supported demand management efforts of the local utility.  In addition, the plant ovens were shut down during non production times (weekends and holidays).  As a result, they saved natural gas consumption and reduction by 6.5%.

Harley Davidson provided some general tips to the employees and contractors on sites; to maintain vehicles properly, avoid spilling gasoline, refrain from fuelling when pump shuts off automatically , refuel vehicles after dark, conserve energy, not to over cool homes, turn off lights and appliances when not using. 

Source : Harley-Davidson Sustainability Strategy Report 2012

Emission off-setted 2000km Harley Owners Group Tour of Sri Lanka

On Friday, August 08, 2014, the first emission off-setted Sri Lankan tour of the Harley Davidson Owners began. The Carbon Credit Company officials took the odometer reading. These 14 bikers will be able to ride up to 2000 km as emission free.  This historic event was powered by JLanka Technologies, by offsetting the carbon foot print created by the bikers, with the carbon credit three of their customers had saved. 

Corporate Environmental Responsibility – Another Step to Save the Earth

Companies green washing themselves has become the latest trend in the corporate world.  New buildings of Toyota and Bank of America,  Gold-certified  by the US Green Building Council, and Nike aiming to be carbon neutral are some of the few examples of this green washing. Known as the Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER), it is a branch of the popular concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. Instead of aiming to build a better society and doing their part for the society in large, companies mainly concentrates on minimizing the damage to the environment and protecting it.

Components of CER

There are few main components to make a CER policy of a company effective. Including, environmental commitment and awareness, stakeholder engagement, measuring, reporting and auditing, transparency, commitment to continuous improvement and going beyond compliance.  According to most environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGO),  fundamental difference in expected environmental performance for companies of different ownership structures and size is minimal, as the need for corporate environmental responsibility is independent of company structure or size.

Driving forces behind CER

There are several driving forces behind the evolution of CER; consumer activism, shareholder and investor pressure, and competitive advantage are a few. As a result of increased discussions on human rights, Consumers and employees, nowadays, are attracted more towards the companies with a green vision, making it one of the main reasons for them to focus more on their responsibility towards the environment. Unlike in the past, the shareholders now,  request companies on disclosure of  environmental risk, recognizing that environmental risk often translates into financial risk. Investors hesitate to lend money to environmentally doubtful projects, for example, which might bring huge clean-up costs and damage to the reputation.  Corporations are now recognizing the potential competitive advantage to be gained by responding to stakeholder expectations for environmental performance of the company as a whole, or of its products individually.

Blue Sky Award - to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization

Going with this concept of Environment Responsibility, Shenzhen International Technology Promotion Center for Sustainable Development with the help of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Boao Forum for Asia and CRES  awards “Bluesky Award - Evaluation of Global Top Investment Scenarios to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization” to encourage companies to protect the environment. This international contest aims to demonstrate award-winning technology success stories to guide large-scale renewable energy applications in China and other developing countries to mitigate the effects of the supply shortage of conventional energy and greenhouse gas effects on the global climate. Since 2005, four sessions have been held, 38 technologies have been granted the BlueSky Award among numerous competitors from Germany, the United States, Canada, Russia, Belarus, Japan, Australia, Brazil, India, the Philippines and China.

Trina Solar wins the award

Trina Solar, one of the principal companies affiliated to JLanka Technologies and a global leader in photovoltaic ("PV") modules, solutions, and services, received the Blue Sky Award 2014 for Global Top Investment Scenarios to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization for its high efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and Honey Ultra modules, proving once again to the world that they are the true pioneers in the industry. Utilizing its own crystalline silicon solar cells, Trina Solar's Honey Ultra high efficiency crystalline silicon solar module has set three world records in the last four years.

Earth Day 2014 - Green cities for a healthier future...

Every year, April 22 we celebrate Earth day, a day aimed to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth's environment. In 2014, the theme of the day is Green cities; type of cities that has the cleanest and most efficient energy, transportation and building structure possible.  Already there are several cities in the world, which satisfies the requirements of a green city.

Difference between a normal city and green city

One of the main difference between a normal city and green city is, usually a green city is powered by renewable energy sources like Solar, hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. Eco-friendly cities utilize these energy sources to be more sustainable and efficient and reliable micro grids are used to distribute the energy. Solar energy is probably the easiest energy to obtain and it can be used in both smaller and larger functions of daily life. Cities like Chicago, Vancouver and Philadelphia have solar powered trash compactors along side of the road.

A green city is connected by clean and accessible public transportation networks and is

biking- and walking-friendly. Sustainable cities have better and easier public transportation from subways to metros; Los Angeles has lanes specifically for their buses and Portland, Oregon utilized its city’s layout to make light rails and Metro, use an easier and more efficient option as opposed to automobiles.  Biking is given priority in these cities opposed to vehicular transportation. Biking in high density urban areas can be a challenge if there are no viable options other than riding in the street, which often angers drivers and is a safety risk.

Globally, buildings are responsible for one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings typically do not rely on renewable energy sources for their power and most buildings don’t use energy efficiently. However, buildings in a green city are energy efficient, conserve water and reduce waste.

Cities like Portland, Copenhagen, Vancouver, Melbourne and Barcelona are some of the green cities in the world. These cities are healthier, more affordable, and more pleasant places to live.

Taking Sri Lanka towards the ultimate green status

JLanka Technologies is a company committed to taking Sri Lanka towards the ultimate green status. They provide solar energy solutions to residencies and commercial buildings, to be able to live a sustainable life and at the same time save the Earth. Using the latest technology and global expertise, JLanka leads the way to achieve the green targets in Sri Lanka. The company have also received global recognition for their service through awards like Green Leadership Award of AsiaResponsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2014 — South Asia, and World Water Day — Excellence Service Award 2014 from SUNFO.

In the future we will also have living buildings, buildings which will operate as living organisms, monitoring performance and adapting to our needs in real time, saving us energy and money, Self-driving electric cars with no exhaust pipes, no carbon dioxide emissions, no gas stations, and no car accidents , high speed long distance travel,  through solar-powered pods that travel through elevated, depressurized tubes and energy independent homes, adorned with solar panels, small-scale wind turbines and other sources of electrical generation. Then we won't  feel like we are living on the Earth anymore. It will be a much more healthier and nicer place to live! 

Sri Lankan Solar Industry Recognized with the Green Leadership Award

Honour Deserving Enterprises in the Field of Corporate Responsibility

Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) is to honour deserving enterprises in the field of corporate responsibility. AREA honours Asian enterprises for outstanding, innovative products, services and projects in six categories. These projects should demonstrate the enterprise’s leadership, sincerity and on-going commitment in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, respect for individuals, involvement in communities and protection of the environment into the way they do business.

Mission Towards a Greener Sri Lanka

The JLanka technologies team celebrates its latest achievement Green Leadership Award of Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2014 — South Asia. JLanka was declared as the best solar energy provider of the year in south Asia for its premiership in Solar Power technology over 250 successful projects& generating above 1MW green electricity to national grids. The critical success factor for all these achievements is focusing precisely and being fully responsible on complete lifetime of every project we deliver to the customers. Not only winning the project but also taking the international technology throughout the whole project efficiently is JLanka’s promise to its each customer.

In a relatively short span of time, JLanka Technologies has been able to install world class solar

energy systems totalling Mega Watts of solar electricity which cuts more than 425,000kg emissions, and saved up to more than 1,500 trees among an array of benefits to the environment and its people.

“Our project rightly titled “Towards a Greener Sri Lanka” is driven by the pillars of our company’s vision which is to provide world class cost effective green energy solutions for homes and businesses for their own growth while preserving and protecting the environment.

While our main objective of cutting carbon emissions in Sri Lanka, we at JLanka Technologies truly believe that green energy is the only way to a sustainable future, not only as a viable option as a source of energy, but also as an important means of protecting the environment of our country and her amazing biodiversity for the future generations.

Zero Water Wastage in Solar Energy attracts the World Water Day Award!

SUNFO – Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship organization is a people's organization consisting of many renowned personalities in Sri Lanka & Overseas. It is an organization committed to the development of Children, Youth, Women, adults, & Senior Citizens. For 2014, the organization has chosen the theme “Water and Energy” and emphasizes how water and energy are closely interlinked and interdependent. 

Water and Energy

Did you know that water is used in the process of generating fuel energy? Water is used mainly to pump crude oil and for cooling purposes. On the other hand, water is also immensely polluted by the use of crude oil, in ways such as, oil spills, and factory wastage. According to recent statistics, energy sources like coal, nuclear and natural gas uses up to 1100 gallons per MWh. But, on the other hand, solar energy does not use any water at all to generate energy. 

The organization also points out that 8% of energy generated globally, are used for pumping, treating and transporting water to consumers. The costs involved in this process make it difficult for poorer people to gain access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation. Therefore, this year United Nation aims to find the best practice in the green industry to help bring the dream of, making available clean water to everyone, a reality. In short, going green has a lot of benefits, the latest and the much less noticed benefit is saving water and making it feasible to provide clean water to less fortunate; a target United Nations is trying to achieve. Companies like JLanka can help immensely to achieve that target. 


JLanka wins the water day award for preserving water

JLanka, a pioneer solar company in Sri Lanka, received World Water Day  - Excellence Service Award 2014 from SUNFO – Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship organization, for the excellent service they do to create a greener world. Additionally, earlier this year they were also awarded with a Green Leadership Award of Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2014 — South Asia. JLanka was declared as the best solar energy provider of the year in south Asia for its premiership in Solar Power technology over 300 successful projects & generating above 1.6 MW green electricity to national grid, to date.  

Why A Psychology of "Green Leadership” is a need for companies

It is an era where everything is looking to be more efficient, greener and sustainable. In an environment like that, a company with a Green Leadership can move mountains. People have too many choices, employees always seek better working environments, and customers are on the lookout for better prices. Improving leadership skills has become a  necessity for career development in current work environment. In addition, global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, over-consumption, obesity, poverty, population growth and geopolitical changes, are in the rise and converging in ways result in increased economic and political tensions around the world. 


A green leadership trend emerging in the business sector seems to be the ultimate solution. It

 suppose to provide global perspective and focus on providing solutions for real needs in society. There are six major trends that can support companies that want to become global green; heroes, connectivity, crowd development, transparency, dematerialization, and a  better life. 




Heroes

This is the most popular green trend of the century. This era of heroes focus on companies that can help us live a sustainable life. The new green companies will use sustainability to drive increased revenues and innovation, they will also attract a new generation top students around the world that want to help create a better society. The CEO and the board are responsible for green strategies. 


Connectivity

The society is getting more and more connected and the world is getting smaller. The companies with a green perspective have more opportunities to gather required information. 


Crowd Development

Crowd development is the latest trend that changes  how  businesses are operated and trigger solutions to change the world. These digital tools allow people to work on the same documents regardless of time zones and office hours. All of a sudden national borders, age and titles matters less than the concrete contributions to a project.


Transparency

Over the past couple of years, the world became much more transparent than it was few years ago. Data that was hidden from public for many years, suddenly became available in the open. In the 21st century people will not buy a product based on the price alone. Sustainable marketing will make people aware of the fact that they can help create a better society by choosing products from 21st century green companies. With the help of smart phones people will also have an opportunity to brag about their purchases, giving companies a golden possibility of expanding their customer base. 

JLanka wins AREA Green Leadership Award 2014

Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) honor deserving enterprises in the field of corporate responsibility.   Projects that demonstrate the enterprise’s leadership, sincerity and on-going commitment in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, respect for individuals, involvement in communities and protection of the environment into the way they do business are being honored. JLanka project titled “Towards a Greener Sri Lanka” won this award and have placed their name in the list of winners among the world leaders like HSBC, Loreal, LG, Holcim and Carlsberg. 

Renewable Energy Potential in Sri Lanka - Part 2

Government Renewable Energy Policies and Targets Government policies play a major role in the sustainability and development of renewable energy sources in a country. Sri Lankan government also has a set of policies that determines the future of renewable energy sources.   The main target that the government is hoping to reach is providing electricity 100% throughout the country by 2015. However, the growing electricity demand could be met only by adding adequate generation capacities, employing the most appropriate technologies in the most economical manner. Despite the efforts, the present energy resources in Sri Lanka fail to meet these criteria and therefore, the need for several resources or an energy mix arises.  National Energy Management Plan (EnMAP) Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka (SLSEA) is in the process of implementing a National Energy Management Plan (EnMAP) from 2012-2016 under the guidance of Ministry of Power and Energy. This project sees the target of achieving an energy saving equivalent to 20% of the total energy consumption of year 2010, by 2020. The overall objective of the EnMAP is to enhance the economic activity of the country without forcing an additional burden on the energy sector.  As a part of the program, the SLSEA has launched a program in collaboration with Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI),  called Energy Labeling. It is an internationally accepted method to ensure that the  electrical appliances used, are energy efficient. Home appliances and office equipment account for 25% of electricity use in Sri Lanka.   Code of Practice for Energy Efficient Buildings SLSEA has also introduced a Code of practice for energy efficient buildings. This Code is applicable to all commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and large-scale housing developments. To be in this category the building should have one or more of the features; Four or more stories, Floor area of 500 m2 or more, Electrical power demand of 100 kVA or more and Air-conditioning cooling capacity of 350 kW (output) or more. The code has been developed to cover building ventilation & air-conditioning, lighting, electrical power, distribution, and service water heating.  Accelerate the Development of Renewable Energy Generation In 2004, 47.3% of the primary energy contributions to national energy supply were from biomass, 45.3% from crude oil and petroleum products and 7.4% from hydroelectricity. The use of non-conventional energy resources in Sri Lanka is of a relatively smaller scale and therefore its contribution is presently of low significance in the macro energy picture The Government has also recognized the need to elevate biomass as both a commercial crop as well as the third fuel option for electricity generation and has accordingly declared Gliricedia sepium as the fourth plantation crop after tea, rubber and coconut in 2005. Bio fuels as an important constituent of the transport energy will be developed to take a 20 % share by 2020.   As a part of the commitment of the Government to accelerate the development of renewable energy generation as well as to integrate the use of non-conventional renewable energy within the power sector, GOSL approved the joint World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) assisted Renewable Energy for Rural Economic Development (RERED) project. Through the RERED project, GOSL aims to foster the rural economic development and improve the quality of life in rural areas by providing access to electricity, and expand the financial support for the mini hydro power projects with low cost funding.