The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) created the Diverse Suppliers Database, an informational hub that serves as a resource for solar buyers looking to connect with diverse-owned businesses. A product of SEIA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEJI) Council, the database is intended to support inclusivity in the solar market.
SEIA said that climate resilience, sustainability, and racial justice serve a central role in America’s economic recovery in the 21st century. The database is intended to place a spotlight on underserved groups, so that they may drive innovation and share in the benefits of the energy revolution.
SEIA’s database aims to offer a connection to businesses that are at least 51% owned by racial minorities, disabled persons, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and women. Additionally, the database has a goal of spurring small-business growth, highlighting what SEIA classifies as “small business,” “historically underutilized business,” or “small disadvantaged businesses.”
SEIA’s DEIJ leadership council further aided the organization’s corporate social responsibility efforts with the launch of an environmental justice policy platform. The council pointed to the Principles of Environmental Justice, a document created by the 1991 First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, as a waypoint to guide its environmental justice efforts. They made use of the summit’s core values of mutual respect, informed consent, self-determination, workers’ rights, and decision-making equality. The principles are intended to operate on engagement, communication, responsibility, and efficacy measurement.
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