1. Why is this workstream important? 

Environmental and social sustainability are at the forefront of current discussions in the solar PV value chain. In the European Union and beyond, this is reflected in a number of ongoing policy proposals set to define sustainability requirements for PV technologies. For example, the European Commission is currently developing Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules for PV modules, inverters and systems on the EU market.

 
2. Why should companies join this workstream? 

The SolarPower Europe Sustainability workstream plays a crucial role in defining our industry’s response to key issues on the sustainability agenda. The workstream is also at the centre of broader efforts to build a common sustainability platform with other industry associations in the solar value chain. As an example, the workstream provides input to SolarPower Europe on the coordination of the Industry Joint Mission Group on Ecodesign and Energy Labelling.

3. What will the future of sustainability look like? 

On the environmental front, the future of sustainability will mean strong energy yields, supported by PV technologies that are more durable, less prone to degradation, highly recyclable, and which carry minimal CO2 footprints. It’s no wonder that these issues are at the heart of ongoing policy discussions in the EU and internationally. At the same time, faster PV deployment cannot come at the expense of social sustainability. Environmental standards must be accompanied by effective due diligence and transparent supply chains.