Governance structure takes shape for solar industry stewardship
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) seeks to act as the global ESG and traceability assurance mechanism for the solar industry.
Its new governance structure now has equal representation between industry and non-industry board members.
The newly appointed six non-industry Board members bring expertise and experience across human rights; environmental, social and governance (ESG) due diligence; sustainable finance; and civil society engagement.
The SSI Board now consists of 12 voting members:
Civil society, independent experts and institutional stakeholders
- Mehmet Bulut, Senior Energy Analyst at Greenpeace International
- Stephan Singer, Senior Advisor Global Energy Policy at Climate Action Network International (CAN International)
- Guido Agostinelli, Principal Risk Officer, Sustainable Supply Chain at International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Malin Oud, Director of the Stockholm office and director of the China Programme, Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
- Haley St. Dennis, Head of Just Transitions Programme, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)
- Andrea Wainger, Project Manager Renewable Energy & Sustainability at REN21
Industry representatives - Buyers
- Luis Gómez-Chavarría, Global Head of Renewable Supply Chain Contracting and Management at Iberdrola
- Susannah Wood, Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability for Europe at Statkraft
- Giulia Guidi, Head of ESG at NextEnergy Group
Industry representatives - Manufacturers
- Michiel Van Schalkwijk, Managing Director Benelux at Solarwatt
- Michael Koebele, Director of Compliance at JA Solar
- Pia Alina Lange, Director of EU Public Affairs and Policy, Trina Solar
Malin Oud, Human Rights Expert, says, 'This opportunity allows me to leverage over 25 years of experience in human rights and development cooperation to contribute to responsible business practices within the global solar industry. To me, the SSI reflects John Ruggie's call for 'principled pragmatism,' which is much needed in this era of geopolitical tension and competing interests and narratives.'
The Board will guide the strategic direction of the Initiative, oversee the continued implementation of the SSI ESG and Traceability Standards, and ensure the integrity of the Initiative’s assurance system.
