Black & Veatch, has joined a coalition of 175 solar companies in signing a pledge to oppose the use of forced labor in the solar supply chain.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced the pledge on February 4, 2021, as part of an industry-wide effort to develop a supply chain traceability protocol and define common practices and expectations for the solar industry.
“Integrity, respect and safety are foundational to our core values as a global infrastructure solutions provider,” said Mario Azar, president of Black & Veatch’s Global Power Business. “As a leader in the solar industry, Black & Veatch is committed to supply chains that are free of forced labor and remain committed to ensuring our supply chain adheres to these principles.”
In signing the pledge, these companies are committing to prevent the use of forced labor to manufacture their products. SEIA notes that the pledge remains open for signatures, and welcomes “all companies and organizations operating in the solar industry” to participate in the effort. The organization will continue to expand its coalition and build on its mission over the next several months.
The effort ties in with Black & Veatch’s recent announcement that it is strengthening its sustainability vision with new pledges that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global best practices.
Black & Veatch has been delivering solar and floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project development and implementation since 1973. The 2020 Engineering News-Record (ENR) Sourcebook ranks Black & Veatch’s power business No. 1 for solar power services. Solar Power World placed Black & Veatch as seventh of 407 installers on the magazine’s 2020 “Top Solar Contractors” list; fourth among solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) providers; and as the top solar installer in Florida.