The new SSI ESG Standard comes following the conclusion of pilot testing and public consultation of the criteria evaluated by the SSI. The SSI ESG Standard is based on existing international standards. For companies active in the solar value chain, the SSI ESG Standard creates a one-stop-shop to independently validate ESG commitment at production sites.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said, “The new Solar Stewardship Initiative ESG Standard is a true landmark for the solar PV industry. We now have an effective, solar-specific, compass to guide our supply chain sustainability journey. Efforts like the SSI should be recognised formally in upcoming EU legislation, to support the solar sector’s ability to deliver Europe’s sustainability commitments.”
Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK said, “The speed with which the SSI has been developed has been remarkable - all those involved should be applauded. I look forward to seeing its widespread adoption across the solar industry.”
The pilot assessments of 11 sites across China, Germany, and Norway tested the draft SSI ESG Standard and delivered four key conclusions:
Key conclusions of the pilot assessments
1. The collaborative approach of the SSI, between buyers and suppliers of solar PV modules, was successful. Pilot participants appreciated the exercise to build their ESG know-how. Working together, the sector can do more to deliver on ESG than one company alone.
2. The draft SSI ESG Standard took on revisions to further deepen its effectiveness. Consequently, the eventual SSI ESG Standard has reinforced key areas, including the grievance mechanism, responsible sourcing requirements, working hours, and workplace emergency preparedness.
3. Both the sector, and the SSI, can go even further on supply chain transparency. As part of the process of continual improvement, the SSI will establish a dedicated Supply Chain Traceability Standard in 2024. For now, the SSI can certify a ‘link’ - i.e. a production site - in the solar supply chain. Once the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard is published in 2024, the SSI will be able certify exactly how each link is connected, creating the so-called chain of custody.
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4. Official recognition in legislation of industry assurance schemes like the SSI will be critical to driving market uptake of the SSI and developing the solar sector’s supply chain ESG credentials.
Stakeholder Advisory Group established – Webinar 9 November
Alongside the pilot testing of the Standard, the SSI held a public consultation in Q2-3 2023, with respondents indicating that the draft SSI ESG Standard was going in the right direction.
Coming soon: A 360⁰ perspective on solar sustainability
Consultation participants made specific recommendations on the future governance of the SSI. These have been considered, and a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) is being established to contribute to the work of the eventual SSI Board. The SSI Secretariat is currently seeking applications for interested parties to join the SSI SAG, for experts active in the fields of corporate accountability and sustainability, investment, standard setting, and industry groups.
For more information, there will be a webinar on 9 November at 14:00 CET. Register here. (hcn)
