Eolus joins the Solar Stewardship Initiative for a sustainable solar value chain

Supported by more than 60+ organizations across the global solar value chain, the SSI works to promote responsible sourcing and refining of materials, improving recyclability of solar products, and minimizing environmental impacts associated with solar panel production. 
 
In a risk assessment performed by Eolus in 2022, the risk of human rights abuses was identified in our supply chain, specifically in connection with the procurement of solar panels, which is a known challenge for the industry. The extraction of the metals required for solar panel production is mainly concentrated to countries where human rights violations are a real concern, such as vulnerable groups being subjected to forced labour and environmental impacts from the extraction and refining of polysilicon, a crucial material in the production of solar panels.
 
By joining the SSI, we want to solidify our commitment to being a responsible company who works to enable positive change across all areas of our value chain. The SSI works to further develop a responsible, transparent, and sustainable solar value chain – strengthening confidence in how, where, and by whom, solar products are manufactured.

“We are convinced that partnerships and cooperations are the best way to achieve positive change and by joining SSI we will contribute to improving the solar value chain. The commitment aligns with our values, emphasizing environmental responsibility and safeguarding of human rights in our value chain. Through this initiative, we are dedicated to fostering fair labour practices, ethical sourcing, and transparency, setting a standard for responsible business conduct together with the industry to enable a just and fair energy transition”, says Karin Wittsell Heydl, Head of Communications & Sustainability at Eolus.

Read more about the SSI by visiting https://www.solarstewardshipinitiative.org/