Seaway7, Jan De Nul Group and ZonUnie are joining the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector. 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.
The production of solar panels and wind turbines can have adverse consequences for people, the environment and biodiversity. With often complex value chains and a lack of transparency, it makes it difficult for an individual company to address such risks by themselves. By applying international responsible business conduct standards, solar and wind energy companies, developers and manufacturers of wind turbines, solar panels and their components can limit actual or potential negative impact of their operations and supply chains on people and the environment.
On March 6, 2023 the new International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector was signed. Through the Agreement, the companies commit to implementing the ‘OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises’ and the ‘United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights’ (UNGPs) in their operations and throughout their supply chains. The promotion of IRBC 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.
Seaway7 Offshore Contractors BV
Through the construction of offshore wind farms, Seaway7 supports bringing sustainable, renewable energy to the world. It is the company’s core business. They have contributed to more than 11 GW of installed capacity since they entered the offshore wind market in 2009.
“Seaway7 is equally committed to ensuring sustainable practices run throughout our business. Responsible business conduct requires a systemic and risk-based approach, in which cooperation is essential for maximum impact. The broad alliance of the IRBC sector agreement facilitates a multi-stakeholder approach across the sector. We look forward to collaborating in the topical workgroups to share learning and development, to further advance the sector and our own organization.”
Harke Jan Meek, Chief Commercial Officer at Seaway7
Jan De Nul Group
Jan De Nul Group is active in the renewable energy sector as a marine contractor with expertise in offshore services. Their extensive fleet and integrated approach enables the company to perform all activities throughout the entire life cycle of offshore structures.
“Jan De Nul Group looks forward to work together within the energy sector to achieve our shared goals for responsible business conduct. We work together for a sustainable and fair energy transition.”
Hannelore Ruytjens, Sustainability Manager at Jan De Nul Group
Zonunie Development B.V.
ZonUnie, part of WindUnie, works together with land owners and local residents to develop large solar meadows outside the built environment. Together, the company wants to make major strides in making the energy supply more sustainable.
With the three companies joining, this brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 47. A total of 28 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.
