IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector is expanding with four new companies

The IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector is expanding with four new companies from the solar and wind sector. With the signing of Sif Netherlands B.V., Solarwatt BV, Equinor Renewables BV and KiesZon, the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved is now 44.

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In the agreement, solar and wind energy companies, trade unions, NGOs and the Dutch government work together with the aim of promoting international responsible business conduct (IRBC) in the renewable energy sector. This is done by jointly identifying risks in the value chain in the field of human rights and the environment and addressing or preventing them, for example through collective projects. A total of 25 companies from the solar and wind sector are currently participating. They are active in various links of the value chain and are in contact with a broad network of suppliers and customers.

Sif Netherlands B.V.

Sif is an international player in the offshore wind industry. By having supplied over 2500 foundations for 49 offshore wind farms, Sif has become a key manufacturer in the offshore wind industry.

"At Sif we believe in the power of sustainability and social responsibility. We consider participating in the IRBC Agreement as an important step to gain in-depth insight and exercise control over the value chain in the offshore wind industry. Also as a driver of the further sustainability of our own work processes. Our aim is to provide the world with high-quality monopiles for offshore wind farms in a way that respects our planet and contributes to the communities in which we operate. For us, producing monopiles goes beyond just a business activity. It is an opportunity to create positive change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come." - Fred van Beers, CEO Sif Netherlands B.V.

Equinor Renewables BV

Equinor is a broad international energy company headquartered in Norway and employing 21,000 people worldwide. The company builds and operates bottom-fixed and floating wind farms in various regions in the North Sea as well as in the Baltic Sea.

“We are happy to announce that we have joined the highly respected IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector. Through this agreement, Equinor in the Netherlands want to contribute to improve social and environmental performance in the renewable energy value chains. We look forward to draw on our international competence and experience in the further development of renewable energy business activities in the Netherlands.” Aart Schreij, Head of Equinor Renewables in Northern Europe.

Kieszon

KiesZon, a subsidiary of Greenchoice, has experience with the financing, development and realisation of land-based projects and solar projects on roofs. The company has realised 300mw of solar projects in the Netherlands.

“People make the difference. At KiesZon we think it is important that everyone can work with enthusiasm and pleasure, but also in safe conditions. We set high standards for this. Not only for the people who work at KiesZon, but throughout the value chain. For everyone who contributes to solving the sustainability issue. With our participation in the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector, we are joining forces and taking steps together towards the goal of promoting responsible entrepreneurship in the sustainable energy sector.” – Johan Ter Borg, CEO KiesZon.

Solarwatt BV

Solarwatt is a producer of solar panels and batteries, headquartered in Germany. Products are developed in Dresden and manufactured partially in Dresden and on selected production lines abroad. The company strives to produce the most innovative and sustainable solar panels with the highest quality standard.

“As a European manufacturer of solar panels, we think it is very important that attention is paid to the entire solar energy chain. In particular the CO 2 emissions associated with production and transport, the working conditions in the chain and the use of materials. We are happy to contribute to making the value chain even more sustainable.” - Michiel van Schalkwijk, Managing Director Solarwatt BV.

All participants

See the full overview of participants.