Published: 17 May 2023, 16:54
The SSI aims to help develop a secure, transparent and sustainable solar supply chain. Image: Pixabay.
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has today (17 May) opened for feedback from industry players on its development.
Launched in October 2022 by SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK, the SSI aims to help develop a secure, transparent and sustainable solar supply chain.
To do so, the initiative is establishing mechanisms to gather and verify information on the environmental, social and governance (EDG) performance of operators in the solar value supply chain.
The SSI code sets out specific ESG criteria that will be monitored by independent auditors and is the initiative’s “central instrument.”
Industry players are now invited to submit their input to the SSI draft code to aid its development.
“The opening of this consultation marks a critical next stage for the SSI – transitioning from being piloted towards becoming a fully operational system, which will ensure that the European solar industry upholds the right standards, in the right way,” said Chris Hewett, UK chief executive at Solar Energy UK.
The initiative currently collaborates with more than 60 organisations across the solar industry and is supported by third-party sustainability experts and the international finance community.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said, “We are committed to building the Solar Stewardship Initiative on a foundation of transparency. This public consultation is the next natural step in taking the views of all interested groups across industry, civil society and the ESG community.”