• Barista Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Dilupa Pathirana on the coffee chain’s green initiatives

In an era where the drive for sustainability often grapples with the demands of profitability, few companies manage to seamlessly integrate eco-conscious initiatives into their business ethos. Barista, a leading name in the café industry, stands as a beacon of sustainable innovation and community engagement.

In a recent conversation with Barista Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dilupa Pathirana, The Daily Morning delved into the motivations, actions, and impacts of their green initiatives, uncovering a compelling narrative of how a business can thrive while fostering positive change. From reducing plastic waste to empowering local communities, Barista exemplifies how corporate responsibility can lead to meaningful, tangible benefits for both the environment and society.

Pathirana shed light on the inspiring journey of Barista and its unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What inspired Barista Sri Lanka to prioritise sustainability initiatives, and how have these efforts positively impacted local communities?

When we started Barista Sri Lanka, our aim was to create a company that not only served great coffee but also contributed positively to society. From the beginning, we wanted to become a different kind of company, one that fully harnesses the potential of all our stakeholders – our employees, consumers, investors, and the broader community.

Sustainability and social responsibility are integral to our business model; they are not separate fields. This commitment is embedded in our operations and values. Our mission is to be the largest and most responsible café chain in Sri Lanka, providing the best value while caring for the environment and the community. This ethos is deeply rooted in Barista’s culture.

Our core values include passion, excellence, respect, and community. Respect, in particular, extends to everyone involved in our business, from employees and suppliers to customers and investors. We don’t just focus on sustainability for annual reports or media coverage; it’s a fundamental part of our business. We believe in giving more to the community than we take from it, which is the essence of our sustainability and community service initiatives.

Can you share some examples of specific sustainability projects Barista Sri Lanka has implemented, and what results have been achieved thus far?

Sustainability is a continuous journey for us, and we see it as our promise to the environment. Over the past 20 years, and especially during the last five to six years post-Covid, we’ve implemented several projects. We focus on saving energy, conserving water, and managing waste. For example, our outlets are designed to maximise natural sunlight, reducing electricity usage. We are also investing in solar energy for our central kitchen, a significant financial investment aimed at energy savings.

Water management is another critical area. In our restaurants, we monitor water consumption closely and find ways to reduce it, understanding that water scarcity is a global issue. Waste management is also a major focus. Serving around 8,000 customers daily, with 50% being takeaways, we switched from plastic to biodegradable materials. In 2021, we eliminated plastic bottles, saving 581 kilograms of plastic. We also introduced sugarcane lids and biodegradable cups, saving over 2,650 kilograms of plastic annually.

Additionally, we replaced plastic utensils with wooden ones, saving about 1.2 tonnes of plastic each year. These efforts, while seemingly small, add up to a significant impact over time. Our goal is to influence other companies to adopt similar practices, creating a larger positive impact on the environment.

In what ways does Barista Sri Lanka engage with the local community beyond providing quality coffee, and how do these initiatives contribute to social development?

Engaging with the local community goes beyond just serving coffee. Our first promise is to our employees, providing them with fulfilling and meaningful careers. We have about 320 employees, with 70% under the age of 25. We aim to equip them with skills that ensure their prosperity and a better future. For example, we support their education, helping them achieve professional qualifications. Last year alone, we graduated 56 employees as nationally recognised baristas. We also provide comprehensive medical insurance for employees and their families.

Community engagement extends to various initiatives. During Christmas, we run campaigns to support underprivileged children. Last year, we raised Rs. 2.7 million to provide meals for children in need. We also encourage our customers to participate in community activities. For instance, we collect old books from customers and donate them to schools and orphanages. Through these efforts, we aim to create a sense of community and social responsibility among our employees and customers.

What role does innovation play in Barista Sri Lanka’s approach to sustainability? Can you highlight any unique or groundbreaking initiatives in this regard?

Innovation is central to our sustainability efforts. We constantly seek new ways to reduce our environmental impact. For example, our packaging solutions are designed to save energy, water, and reduce waste. We introduced sugarcane lids, biodegradable cups, and wooden utensils to replace plastic. We also focus on energy-efficient equipment and designs. Our central kitchen is being built with solar panels to save electricity.

Additionally, we participate in reforestation projects. We sponsored the planting of five acres of forest in collaboration with the Government, contributing to environmental conservation. These initiatives, while sometimes more expensive, are essential for long-term sustainability. We believe that our responsibility extends beyond profit to ensuring a sustainable future for the next generations.

How does Barista Sri Lanka foster a culture of sustainability among its employees and customers, and what strategies are employed to encourage participation?

Fostering a culture of sustainability starts with our employees. We provide them with education and training on sustainable practices, ensuring they understand the importance of their actions. We also involve them in community projects, reinforcing the connection between their work and its impact on society.

For customers, we promote awareness through our campaigns and initiatives. For example, we encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups and offer discounts as an incentive. We also involve them in our community projects, such as book donation drives and fundraising campaigns. By integrating sustainability into our everyday operations and interactions, we create a culture where everyone feels responsible for making a positive impact.

Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations Barista Sri Lanka has forged with other organisations to further its sustainability and community engagement goals?

We have formed several partnerships to enhance our sustainability and community engagement efforts. For instance, our reforestation project was done in collaboration with the Government, helping us restore five acres of forest. We also work with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support community projects, such as providing meals for underprivileged children and donating books to schools. These collaborations amplify our impact and help us reach a wider audience, promoting sustainability and social responsibility across the community.

What future sustainability goals does Barista Sri Lanka aim to achieve, and how does it plan to continue its leadership in driving positive change within the industry?

Our future sustainability goals include further reducing our environmental footprint and expanding our community engagement initiatives. We aim to eliminate all single-use plastics from our operations and increase our use of renewable energy. We also plan to expand our education and training programmes for employees, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to contribute to sustainability efforts. By continuing to innovate and collaborate with other organisations, we aim to set an example for the industry and drive positive change on a larger scale.

How does Barista Sri Lanka measure the impact of its sustainability and community engagement efforts, and what lessons have been learned along the way?

We measure the impact of our sustainability efforts through various metrics, such as the amount of plastic reduced, energy saved, and water conserved. For community engagement, we track the number of meals provided, books donated, and educational programmes completed. These metrics help us understand the effectiveness of our initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

One key lesson we’ve learned is the importance of involving all stakeholders – employees, customers, and partners – in our efforts. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, we can achieve greater impact and drive long-term change.

Finally, how does Barista Sri Lanka balance its business objectives with its commitment to sustainability and community engagement?

Balancing business objectives with sustainability and community engagement is at the core of our strategy. We believe that being socially responsible and environmentally sustainable is not just good for the community but also good for business. Our customers appreciate our commitment to these values, which strengthens their loyalty and support. By integrating sustainability into our business model, we ensure that our growth is not at the expense of the environment or society. This balanced approach helps us achieve long-term success while making a positive impact on the world around us.