RES has achieved the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) certification program’s top certification. Initially the first company to reach Gold status, RES is now the first and only company to reach Platinum.
Earning this certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace and culture in the renewables industry.
“RES is committed to creating a more inclusive environment for our people. Platinum certification demonstrates we’ve taken another step to advance our DEIJ practices,” said John Rohde, CEO of RES in the Americas. “Companies must lead the way toward an equitable clean energy economy, and I’m so proud that RES is at the forefront of the industry’s progress.”
Designed to help energy businesses like RES make progress on their DEIJ journey, the online program was designed by Diversity Certified Professionals and uses evidence-based approaches to improve diversity practices within companies. The program guides participants through a broad range of modules on diversity topics, requiring them to complete activities that help create a more inclusive work environment, serve the communities they work in, and attract, hire, promote and retain diverse talent.
The program also provides useful insights that allowed RES to quickly move from bronze through silver and gold and ultimately to platinum. Feedback has led to improvements in recruiting, hiring and promotion practices, as well as the development of a new dashboard for tracking people metrics. On the policy side, RES adjusted its bereavement policy to recognize both miscarriage and loss outside the traditional nuclear family.
“Diversity is a team sport. Everyone at RES plays a role in embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment,” said Rohde. “There’s still more important work to be done. This recognition inspires us to continue creating an inclusive culture, building a more diverse workforce and supply chain and making a positive impact in all the communities where we live and work.”
