Modern Slavery in Solar PV Supply Chains: New Guidance

New guidance highlights how to address modern slavery and labour exploitation risks in the solar photovoltaic supply chain.

The information was released by Action Sustainability, the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s delivery partner.

The effects of climate change are apparent in all corners of the world. So, the transition to a low-carbon economy is more urgent than ever.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is vital in enabling this transition: it captures solar energy efficiently, producing low-carbon electricity and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

“Vulnerable” to forced labour

However, recent reports such as the Global Slavery Index 2023 and Sheffield Hallam University’s ‘In Broad Daylight: Uyghur Forced Labour and Global Supply Chains’ expose how the solar PV industry is vulnerable to forced labour.

Action Sustainability’s new ‘Addressing Modern Slavery and Labour Exploitation in Solar PV Supply Chains Procurement Guidance’ explores the modern slavery and labour exploitation risks and impacts in the solar PV supply chain.

Plus, it features critical steps you can take to address these issues.

Key features of the guide:

• Outlines pragmatic steps to address these risks throughout the commercial lifecycle
• Valuable insights into effective solar PV procurement due diligence
• Practical tips and guidance for implementing best practices for solar PV procurement
• Signposts to existing tools, resources and collaborative initiatives to help organisations improve their approaches

While the guidance focuses on solar PV, its content is transferable to responsible sourcing strategies for other renewable energy technologies.

Therefore, it allows organisations to reduce reputational risk, meet client requirements, gain competitive advantage, increase investor confidence, and develop more resilient supply chains.

Tackling modern slavery across the supply chain

Jo Potts, Sustainability Director, Supply Chain & Materials at Balfour Beatty added: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to tackling modern slavery and labour exploitation across our supply chain. As we stand on the brink of a green energy revolution, the guidance issued today delivers detailed insight and practical guidance on how organisations can decarbonise and transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, whilst being aware of and taking appropriate steps to protect people – and the planet.”

To read the guidance and learn how to align with procurement best practices for solar PV, download it here.