News

A delegation representing the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector conducted a field visit to Peru as part of the Peru Copper Project — an impact project focused on the integration of artisanal and small-scale copper mining (ASCM) into global responsible supply chains. The visit was facilitated by the project partner Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM).

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector welcomes two new members: Hellenic Cables S.A. and DEME, through DEME Offshore Holding NV. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 59.

GE Vernova Offshore Wind has terminated its membership in the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector in the Netherlands.
We thank the company for their contribution to a sustainable renewable energy sector in the past 2 years within the Agreement.

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector is very pleased to announce two new members: EEW Special Pipe Constructions GmbH and Maersk Offshore Wind A/S. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 58.

The International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector welcomes NKT A/S, Eolus Vind AB and Cadeler A/S as parties to the agreement. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 56.

How do companies that participate in the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector establish and strengthen their due diligence practices for the benefit of people and planet? By learning about their strengths and weaknesses, and by turning this into actions all parties can benefit from.

We are pleased to welcome TenneT as a new party to the International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector. As a grid operator TenneT provides and important part of the electricity infrastructure in the Netherlands and Germany. The company focusses on integrating the transport of electricity on a European level and believes firmly that renewable energy sources are key in the energy transition. This requires both innovation and a holistic view on a sustainable future. With their commitment to the Agreement the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved expands to 53.

How sustainable is the renewable energy sector? You might think that in itself it is a green sector, but
sustainability is not just about producing energy without CO2 emissions, but also about the quality of the supply processes in value chains. There lies a major challenge. Many of the raw materials for wind turbines and solar panels come from countries where human rights, the environment and biodiversity are under threat. The renewable energy sector, however, is determined to be part of the solution here too.

Parties to the International RBC Agreement for the Metal Sector have concluded five years of cooperation. The Agreement has increased companies' awareness of due diligence, risks in the value chain and sustainability legislation and regulations. Not all objectives have been achieved, but the results provide an important basis for further cooperation.

FME, the business association for the technology industry, has been involved as a supporting organisation of the Metals Agreement since its launch in 2019. To further strengthen the ties with the Agreement, the organisation is joining the Metals Agreement as a party.