"Respecting the human rights of communities: a business guide for commercial wind and solar projects", March 2022

Wind and solar energy are essential for the world to reach net zero global emissions in accordance with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change targets... Rights-respecting wind and solar projects can also contribute to equitable rural development and bolster community livelihoods. The global installed capacity of renewable energy has more than doubled in the last ten years, with wind and solar energy leading this growth. Yet amidst this rapid expansion there have been increasing allegations and lawsuits against wind and solar companies for their involvement in adverse human rights impacts, particularly with respect to the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and human rights defenders. A key driver has been a lack of robust human rights programs that address community-related human rights impacts...

Wind and solar companies are poised to play a critical role in combating climate change and advancing sustainable development. However, they are also facing increased exposure to legal, financial, operational, and reputational risks arising from adverse human rights impacts to project-affected communities...

Implementing a comprehensive human rights program that is integrated throughout business operations can help companies get ahead of these issues and establish an innovative business model that can grow sustainably with respect for human rights. This guide outlines recommendations that draw on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to offer tailored guidance on the key elements of such a program with examples. It should be read together with the legal companion to this guide: Respecting the human rights of communities: A legal risk primer for commercial wind and solar project deployment...