Solar Stewardship Initiative SSI
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) was set in motion by Solar Power Europe and Solar Energy UK in March 2021, as part of a work stream established in 2015 to promote sustainable production in the solar value chain. With the backing of more than 50 solar organisations at its inception, the SSI is the only holistic sustainable supply chain solution with the support of a majority market share of the solar PV industry. The SSI also enjoys the endorsement of the International Finance Corporation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The Initiative establishes SSI Standards, combining international standards, industry and civil society expertise, and political acumen, to deliver a supply chain sustainability solution tailored to the business of solar. The SSI Standards are used by independent assessors to evaluate compliance with robust sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria within companies active in the solar value chain.
The SSI works collaboratively with manufacturers, developers, installers, and purchasers across the global solar value chain to foster responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of materials. It has 5 mission areas to:
- Ensure the energy transition is just, inclusive, and respects human rights.
- Establish mechanisms to create supply-chain transparency, ensuring integrity in the global solar industry.
- Enable continuous improvement of ESG performance.
- Prepare the industry for relevant upcoming laws and regulations on ESG, transparency and responsible supply chains.
- Build the confidence of regulators, customers and business partners in the sustainability of the solar value chain.
For further information about the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) visit https://www.solarstewardshipinitiative.org/
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