Renewables Forward launches diversity, equity, and inclusion human resources playbook –

Industrywide initiative gains momentum by publishing new HR playbook outlining actionable steps and best practices.

Renewables Forward, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative of leading U.S. renewable and clean energy companies, today announced the release of a new diversity human resources (HR) playbook. The group has doubled in membership to 28 with the addition of 16 new member companies and organizations: 3Degrees, Act Power Services, Amicus Solar Cooperative, Amicus O&M Cooperative, Edison Energy, Empower Energies, Energy Storage Association, Infrastructure Finance Advisors, Leyline, MD Strategic, OneEnergy Renewables, Plante Moran, Safari Energy, Sphere Solar, SunCommon, and Sun Tribe.

Renewables Forward’s HR playbook extends beyond general concepts and focuses on clear, tangible steps that renewable and clean energy companies can take to tackle diversity and inclusion within their organizations and across the solar and clean energy industry. In the wake of 2020’s heightened awareness regarding systemic racism, there is urgency to improve diversity within clean energy and technology ranks.

The “how to” guide provides easy-to-follow, tactical suggestions renewable and clean energy companies can immediately implement to become part of the solution. Among other things, the playbook includes steps for unconscious bias training, inclusive recruiting practices, and enhancements to performance reviews and promotional processes.

Liz Weir, Chief Operating Officer for Sol Systems, said, “Through Renewables Forward, member organizations have transformed the turmoil of 2020 into optimism and results. This HR playbook represents the strength of a united front and the dedication of our member companies to move beyond general discussion of DEI issues and drive actual, tangible change in our solar businesses.”

Renewables Forward launched in October around four principles:

• Assess diversity and inclusion in our industry to raise awareness around inequality and benchmark progress toward a more diverse and inclusive industry.
• Develop and share corporate practices and policies for a consistent drive toward increasing diversity and inclusion within our companies and the industry.
• Create a more diverse and inclusive pipeline of candidates in the renewable energy industry.
• Invest in the under-resourced and minority communities in which we work.

“The HR Playbook is a result of HR professionals across the clean energy industry coming together to share their experience and to create a resource to help companies drive change in diversity, equity and inclusion regardless of where they are in their journey. Our intent is to curate the multiple sources of guidance available into tangible specific actions companies can take,” said Heather Houston, Former VP, People at Mosaic.

The founding members of Renewables Forward are Capital Dynamics, Cypress Creek Renewables, EDF Renewables, Generate Capital, Mosaic, Nautilus Solar Energy, New Columbia Solar, Nextracker, Sol Systems and Volt Energy, as well as the Solar Energy Industries Association and The Solar Foundation. Renewable energy companies and organizations can learn more about joining the initiative at www.renewablesforward.com.