SunPower is more than just the oldest major solar company in America. We are also one of the most well-known brands. Our team is integral in driving inclusive, sustainable and equitable business practices. SunPower has released its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance report (ESG) as part of its commitment to changing how the world is powered. This report will show homeowners and advocates for solar energy what we did in 2021 and our plans through 2022.
Here are some highlights from The report. They highlight our work to reduce carbon emissions and support supplier diversity.
Environmental Impact
SunPower solar installations have produced 133 terawatt-hours (TWh) since 2005. This is equivalent to avoiding 94 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Our world-class products offset CO2 equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 104 billion gallons of petroleum consumed or 11 billion coal burned. We enabled our customers to avoid carbon emissions by 14 million tonnes in 2021.
Electric Fleet and Green Logistics
SunPower’s sustainability focus extends to its logistics, freight network, and vehicle fleet. We have specific goals to reduce carbon emissions. To maximize environmental impact, we have set targets to convert at least 90% of the U.S. vehicle fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles by 2030. SunPower also works to reduce carbon emissions from its downstream freight by establishing programs to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. SunPower products, services, and the efforts of our homeowners already make a tangible difference in fighting climate change. These new operational efforts further amplify this effort.
SunPower’s 25×25 pledge and Supplier Diversity
SunPower launched the 25×25 Initiative in September 2021. It includes several new commitments to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), in the solar industry up until 2025. The 25×25 Initiative includes pledges to increase workforce diversity and expand solar energy access for historically excluded communities. It also aims to ensure industry equity by introducing new subcontractor and dealer diversity. Our annual ESG Report will measure the obligations of the 25×25 Initiative.
This Initiative includes the promise that 25% of SunPower’s U.S. residential homeowners (single or multi-family) by 2025 will be comprised of residents from historically underrepresented areas. SunPower has created a new program that provides homeowners with no-interest loans to help them reach their goals. We believe solar power offers consumers many benefits, including lower energy costs, power backup, and energy independence. These opportunities should be open to all Americans, regardless of their economic status.
Product Recycling.
SunPower uses a nationwide network of certified recyclers to dispose of our electrical, mechanical and solar panel waste. Recycled components with a remaining life expectancy are tested and resold. Unusable inventory is sent to Responsible Recycling. This group is specialized in precious metal salvaging and the circular use of raw materials. SunPower partners with local PV recyclers to make module recycling more accessible to homeowners. This helps reduce the freight mileage for waste streams.
More information about SunPower’s sustainability focus, including our efforts to promote supplier diversity, safety culture, and new product offerings, can be found on our ESG page.