Solar Excellence Shines Through: Solar Diversity Champion Award 2022

Ahead of the SolarPower Summit, award finalists presented their work (watch here) on inclusivity and diversity to a panel featuring SolarPower Europe CEO, Walburga Hemetsberger, 2021 Solar Gender Champion Award winner, Joanna Thorpe, Head of Talent Acquisition and Development at Sonnedix, and Paula Abreu Marques, Head of Unit for Renewables and CCS policy at the European Commission DG Energy.  

The panel nominated three finalists for the Diversity Champion Award 2022, including, Kathrin Goldammer of the Reiner Lemoine Institute and Yamalí Rodriguez Refunjol from Rated Power. The panel applauded the Reiner Lemoine Institute’s charter and inclusive workplace culture that has resulted in gender parity across teams and leadership. Rated Power’s hybrid working format, partnership with gender and LGBT advocacy organisations, and deep commitment to intersectional diversity beyond gender was also highly commended by judges.  

Lightsource bp was the third finalist recognized by the panel, with their work presented by Liza Gray, the organisations Global Director of Marketing and Communications. Lightsource bp’s diversity policy is ‘woven’ into the fabric of the organisation, with dedicated pillars to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as Integrity and Respect. Ms. Gray outlined Lightsource bp’s investment into understanding where they can enhance employee experience, improve diverse recruitment, and ensure meaningful workshops, as well as equitable events. 

Ultimately the public vote at the SolarPower Summit awarded Lightsource bp the 2022 Solar Diversity Champion Award, which was presented by judges Joanna Thorpe and Paula Abreu Marques.

Nick Boyle, Group CEO, Lightsource BP said: "We are honoured to be named Solar Power Europe's Solar Diversity Champion this year. I am incredibly proud and protective of our diverse and inclusive culture. I know it is the foundation of our continued success. Our culture is built around the idea that who our employees are, drives our success - this award is a great validation of our approach...but we are just getting started."  

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said, “We are delighted to present Lightsource BP the inaugural Solar Diversity Champion award. The solar workforce is set to expand rapidly, and we applaud Lightsource BP’s efforts to ensure that expansion is as equitable and inclusive as possible.”