UK solar industry reinforces commitment to a sustainable supply chain 

Solar Energy UK

28 March 2024

Members of the UK solar industry have committed to supporting the development of an industry that promotes the “highest possible levels” of transparency, social responsibility and good governance throughout global solar supply chains 

“This includes action to minimise and reduce the impact of extracting raw materials, to conserve water and to lower carbon emissions across the value chain, and to ensure the industry is free of any human rights abuses, including forced labour, anywhere in the global supply chain,” says the statement.[1] 

It follows on from an initial statement issued in 2021, committing the industry to the development of a traceability protocol.[2] The industry’s work following this culminated last December in the launch of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), developed in collaboration between Solar Energy UK, SolarPower Europe, industry members, sustainability experts and governments. The SSI, as a solar specific supply chain assurance scheme, will drive continued progression in the sustainability and traceability of the solar value chain. 

As of today, 55 companies and organisations across the sector have committed to fully supporting the principles of the SSI and will always seek to use photovoltaic modules from manufacturers that can demonstrate that they are following SSI standards in future projects.  

“This is about doing what’s right – right for workers, right for the environment, right for the country and right for the industry. I look forward to even more companies putting their name to this statement and upholding human rights and environmental standards across the industry,” said Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett.  

[1] UK Solar Industry Supply Chain Statement 2024

[2] UK solar energy industry members back development of supply-chain transparency protocol 

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Editor’s notes: 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact: 

Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser 

gsimkins@solarenergyuk.org 

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