Solar Commitment+20

Overview

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,100 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.

Sustainable Energy for All and the

Solar Industry Commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility

SEIA is committed to the RIO+20 theme of sustainable development and supports the global initiative on Sustainable Energy for All. Access to sustainable energy sources, like solar energy, is vital for sustainable development and crucial to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available, and the technology can be deployed today.

The solar industry has also taken the steps to ensure that the industry continues to grow and expand within the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection. To this end, SEIA has established the Solar Industry Commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility (Solar Commitment) as a set of guidelines to promote environmental and social responsibility.

The Solar Commitment, which may be adopted by companies throughout the solar supply chain, is a voluntary document that is designed to evolve as the industry grows. It includes provisions regarding the environment, labor, ethics, health and safety, human rights, and management systems.

The basis of the Solar Commitment is the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition’s Code of Conduct, which served as a guideline on corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. The Solar Commitment was also drafted with significant input from the solar industry, along with external environmental regulation, labor, and ethics experts.

Solar Commitment+20

In support of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, SEIA commits to recruiting a total of 20 signatories to the Solar Commitment by the end of 2013.

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