Vattenfall Sets the Standard for Sustainability in Renewable Energy with New Leadership Recognition

Vattenfall Sets the Standard for Sustainability in Renewable Energy with New Leadership Recognition

(IN BRIEF) Vattenfall has been recognized as a leader in sustainability within the renewable energy sector following an independent assessment under the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement. This agreement unites various stakeholders, including businesses, trade unions, and civil society organizations, to promote ethical supply chain practices aligned with UN and OECD standards. The assessment identified Vattenfall’s Business Area Wind as one of the top performers, highlighting its commitment to human rights and environmental protection. Vattenfall’s ongoing initiatives include an action plan focused on improving labor rights and welfare for workers at renewable energy sites, as well as enhancing the management of external suppliers. The company aims to collaborate with industry peers to address challenges related to human rights and biodiversity while promoting sustainable practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 4-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Vattenfall has been distinguished as a frontrunner in sustainable practices within the renewable energy sector, as highlighted by the inaugural independent assessment conducted under the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement. This collaborative initiative unites businesses, trade unions, and civil society organizations in a collective effort to ensure supply chain due diligence that aligns with UN principles and OECD guidelines.

The evaluation affirmed Vattenfall’s Business Area Wind as a standout leader, providing a robust framework for ongoing efforts and future actions. This recognition comes at a crucial time when the renewable energy industry is working diligently to transition to a lower carbon future without compromising human rights or environmental integrity. A balanced transition that actively engages all stakeholders is essential for gaining political and public acceptance for the extensive changes required to achieve net-zero emissions.

Vattenfall emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of workers involved in wind farm construction and minimizing the ecological impact of resource extraction for essential materials used in energy infrastructure. The company’s BA Wind was among the pioneers in signing the IRBC Agreement last year, demonstrating its commitment to tackling and preventing risks associated with human rights abuses and environmental degradation.

Following the baseline assessment, Vattenfall earned a place in the elite ‘leader’ category, being one of only six wind companies to achieve such recognition among project developers, turbine manufacturers, and suppliers of cables and foundations. Eva Julius-Philipp, Director of Environment and Sustainability at Vattenfall’s Business Area Wind, expressed pride in the acknowledgment, affirming the organization’s dedication to enhancing industry standards.

To build on this momentum, Vattenfall has crafted a comprehensive action plan, developed in conjunction with the agreement’s secretariat, which outlines specific initiatives aimed at refining due diligence practices. The plan will undergo further assessments over the next four years, and Vattenfall has committed to sharing it with the civil society organizations and trade unions involved.

Arjan Pouw, Senior Advisor for Corporate Sustainability at Vattenfall, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges. He stated, “No company can tackle today’s challenges on its own. The multi-stakeholder approach fosters mutual understanding and aligns interests, whether it pertains to biodiversity or human rights.”

A significant focus of the IRBC Agreement participants is improving labor rights and worker welfare at renewable energy project sites. Vattenfall, already equipped with robust policies, recognizes the complexities introduced by collaborating with numerous external suppliers and contractors. Addressing human rights concerns, including working conditions for migrant workers and effective grievance mechanisms, remains a critical priority for the company.

Kristin Tallbo, Social Sustainability Specialist at Vattenfall’s Business Area Wind, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with sustainability professionals from competing organizations. “The shared drive for impact among those in my role across the sector is invigorating. While competition for wind farm projects is healthy, our collective efforts on human rights and biodiversity benefit everyone involved.”

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Source: Vattenfall AB