Trade group RenewableUK has published a Member Values Charter setting out a vision that includes the creation of thousands of new jobs across the UK.
The charter was drawn up after a consultation open to all of the group’s members across renewable energy sectors.
It states: “We know that this decade will be the most important in the fight against climate change. We are optimistic, but we need to go further, faster.”
The charter highlights that RenewableUK’s four hundred member companies are leading the transition to a future energy system powered by renewable electricity, and that they, and the association, are strongly committed to bringing benefits to local communities, the economy and the environment.
“The Charter highlights our support for the Government’s target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and expresses our belief that we can meet this sooner,” RenewableUK stated.
The charter also reaffirms RenewableUK’s member companies’ commitment to creating job opportunities and “developing new and emerging talent which will shape the next generation of our workforce”.
The document contains a pledge to “treat everyone working in the renewable energy sector openly, fairly and with respect, promoting increased diversity, inclusion and equality within our workforce and across the wider supply chain”.
This work, which is also the result of input from RenewableUK’s shadow board, presents a united industry vision that stresses the need for a collaborative approach and developing best practice to tackle the global challenge of climate change, the association said.
The shadow board was formed in December 2019 to provide a greater range of views on key issues to RenewableUK’s main board.
RenewableUK shadow board member Gail Clark said: “We need to step up the pace of action on climate change.
“That’s one of the main reasons why thousands of us are working in renewables – we’re taking practical action against the biggest long-term threat to our way of life.
“To go faster, we’ll need thousands more workers in highly skilled jobs to build the clean energy system of the future and support a green economic recovery.
“This charter makes clear RenewableUK’s commitment to making this industry the best career option for future generations who are looking to make a real difference, by both tackling climate change and supporting local economies and communities.”
RenewableUK’s deputy chief executive Melanie Onn (pictured) added: “In his landmark speech this month, the Prime Minister made it clear that renewables are at the heart of this country’s energy strategy and that wind power will become the backbone of our energy system by the end of this decade.
“The renewable energy industry already has a strong record of delivery and we will play a central role in helping the Government to achieve its legally-binding net zero emissions target by 2050.”