Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 11:28 .

Solar Stewardship Initiative Launches Supply Chain Assurance Program for Solar Industry to Ensure Sustainability and Compliance with ESG Standards

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) was created by members of Solar Power Europe and Solar Energy UK to foster sustainability in the solar panel industry. Similar to sustainable labels on paper-based packaging, SSI aims to provide transparency and assurance about how solar products are manufactured. The initiative includes more than 40 members from various sectors such as civil society, finance, academia, manufacturers, and buyers. Launched in 2022 with support from over 60 organizations and international financial communities, the SSI has five key objectives: ensuring a just energy transition respecting human rights; enabling supply chain traceability; continuously improving ESG performance; building confidence among stakeholders regarding solar sector sustainability; and preparing for compliance with new regulations like the EU's forced labor ban regulation. A multi-stakeholder board is being formed for balanced representation. Key components include a complaints mechanism for accountability without replacing company-specific systems, an assurance manual outlining certification processes leading to scores (gold/silver/bronze), and strict rules against misleading claims before full traceability standards are implemented. Membership requires commitment to principles like respecting human rights and environmental sustainability.

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Speaker

Alexia Ruvoletto
Head of Secretariat
The Solar Stewardship Initiative
Belgium

Talk of session: Solar & Sustainability: All About ESG Considerations & Transparency along the Solar Supply Chain

As investors focus more on ESG criteria in the solar supply chain, the industry aims to enhance transparency, traceability, and reduce carbon footprint. This comes at a time of significant legislative change in Europe, with market access rules and the promotion of improved sustainability practices on the horizon.

This session will discuss:

• How ESG considerations are impacting developers' procurement decisions
• How solar manufacturers along the solar supply chain are addressing ESG concerns
• Legislative requirements and industry efforts to increase transparency and sustainability performance
• Processes for certifying solar products with low embodied carbon

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Guido Agostinelli
Solar Sector Head
IFC - International Finance Corporation
USA

To Talk

Transparency for a Sustainable Supply Chain

Speaker

Laurene Gusse
Deputy Head of Quality & Procurement
ENGIE Renewables

To Talk

The Road Towards 100% Renewable Powered PV Manufacturing

Speaker

Lin Sun
Head of Sustainability Development
JinkoSolar
China

To Talk

European Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Solar: An Update on Ecolabeling and Eco-Design of Photovoltaic Modules

Speaker

Dr. Giorgio Bardizza
Global Manager Solar PV
TÜV Rheinland
Germany

To Talk

Panel: How to Ensure Truly ESG-Compatible Solar Products in Europe

Speaker

To Talk