Our Methodology
Solar Stewards utilizes sociotechnical frameworks for the advancement of equitable systems
What are Social Renewable Energy Credits?
Social RECs® connect corporate renewable energy procurement with historically excluded communities.
Renewable Energy Credits or Certificates, create the pathway for individuals and organizations to green their power. Since the late 1990s, RECs have transformed markets for renewable energy by allowing renewable energy generators to connect with clean energy buyers, regardless of where the energy is generated or used.
Social Renewable Energy Credits, or Social RECs®, take this one step further by creating the opportunity for purchasers of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to procure renewable energy from sites that provide tangible community benefit.
Solar Stewards engages, recruits, and aggregates these sites into portfolios of scale to attract Social REC buyers, our Climate Stewards, who value both environmental and social benefits within their business and climate strategy.
Localized action for equity
Think Globally. Act Locally.
Solar Stewards recognizes the value of localized climate action. Our methodology focuses on renewable energy that directly serves those most vulnerable and historically excluded.
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Solar Stewards focuses on the worlds most vulnerable and under-resourced populations. The renewable energy transition provides an unprecedented opportunity for equity and restorative justice.
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Many communities around the globe have endured economic exclusion, and are now disproportionately effected by climate change. Social RECs begin to bridge the gap, helping to outfit historically excluded communities with the benefits of renewable energy.
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Fortunately, Solar Stewards joins a multitude of organizations and entities all doing their part in ushering an equitable energy transition.
With Social RECs, corporates can target which mission resonates best with their brand, to include and support equitable renewable energy adoption as part of of a wholistic climate action strategy.
People
Focused on the worlds most vulnerable and under-resourced populations
Energy Burdened
For low-income communities, this burden is severe, with households typically spending an average of 8.6% of their income on energy—three times higher than higher-income households. This disparity not only highlights economic inequities but also reflects broader systemic issues, including the adverse effects of climate change and enduring social inequities. Systemic oppression exacerbates the challenges faced by these communities, making them more vulnerable to climate change's impacts and less able to access affordable energy solutions.
The cumulative effect is a greater energy burden and increased economic strain. Therefore, addressing the energy burden is essential to mitigating these disparities, promoting economic stability, and ensuring equitable access to energy resources.
Women and Girls
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Gender Snapshot 2021 presents facts on gender equality across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting how women are often in more vulnerable positions regarding employment, education, and food security. Empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing these disparities are crucial steps forward. By providing women with equal decision-making power and resources, we can advance gender equity and drive sustainable development. Despite some progress in increasing economic opportunities and empowering women, substantial actions are still required to achieve true equality.
Low and Moderate Income (LMI)
The term low- and moderate-income refers to communities in certain geographies where income levels fall within specific ranges determined by the Census Bureau. A low-income community is defined as having a median family income of less than 50 percent of the area median income, while a moderate-income community has a median family income that is at least 50 percent but less than 80 percent of the area median income.
Everyone deserves the chance to thrive in a clean energy future. However, these communities are disproportionately affected by climate change and systemic oppression. Climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, as low- and moderate-income areas often lack the resources to effectively respond to or recover from environmental hazards. These affected groups need more support in order to create a brighter future for all.
Seniors
Climate Change and the Health of Older Adults
As the climate change is getting worse, we're seeing more frequent and intense heat waves. Extreme heat can worsen existing health issues, and lead to serious illness and death. This is especially dangerous for older adults and those with chronic health conditions that increase sensitivity to heat such as congestive heart failure and diabetes. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure a safe environment for the elders to live in.
Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
Equitable Solar Policy Principles
Even though everyone is affected by climate change to some level, the impacts vary greatly depending on the demographics of communities. Studies have shown that communities of color and those with lower incomes are disproportionately impacted by pollution from fossil fuels. This increased exposure to toxins leads to compromised health, missed educational opportunities, and even lost lives. The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment guarantees everyone equal treatment under the law – a concept that extends to environmental justice. While legal strategies are evolving, we believe immediate action is crucial.
Students
Students take their future into their own hands on climate change activism
Climate Change Resources for Educators and Students
At Solar Stewards, we understand the urgency of climate action. But change can't happen overnight, which is why we believe in empowering the next generation. Students deserve a comprehensive education on climate issues, especially those that directly impact their communities. Climate change isn't a distant threat – it's happening now, and young people are feeling the effects and will continue to feel the effects long after older generations are gone. With traditional systems sometimes falling short, they must have the knowledge and tools to speak up for their future.
Immigrants and Refugees
UNHCR - Climate change and disaster displacement
Climate change is displacing millions today. Refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and the stateless are bearing the brunt of a crisis they didn't create. Often living in areas most vulnerable to climate disasters, these communities lack the resources to adapt.
We believe climate action shouldn't leave anyone behind. That's why we connect forward-thinking companies with local solar energy providers in these very communities. This way, we allow companies to directly support these communities. This encourages them to support disadvantaged communities like immigrants and refugees economically while reducing reliance on polluting and creating a more sustainable future.
LQBTQ+
Why Climate Change is an LGBTQ+ Issue
We believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table when it comes to tackling climate change, and that includes historically marginalized communities, like the LGBTQ+ community.
These communities often face a double burden: struggling with limited resources and being disproportionately impacted by environmental issues. A lot needs to be done to empower the community and protect them from the climate change burden. Solar Stewards strives to ensure LGBTQ+ communities to be active participants in the fight for a sustainable future by supporting local LGBTQ+ owned solar businesses.
Children and Youth
A deeply concerning issue everyone should be aware of is the impact of climate change has on children around the world. A recent report found that nearly 1 billion children face extremely high risks from climate disasters like floods, droughts, and extreme heat. This can mean malnutrition, illness, and a stolen childhood. Unfortunately, almost every child on Earth is exposed to some form of climate threat, like dirty air or unreliable water. Without urgent action, this exposure will go up.
Incarcerated and Re-Entry
Climate Change and Mass Incarceration
Extreme heat waves are becoming a terrifying reality across the US, especially in southern states. Within correctional facilities, where air conditioning and proper ventilation are often limited, this heat poses a serious threat to the health and safety of inmates. Many incarcerated individuals have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Conditions that have tragically claimed their lives in recent years. This unfortunate reality reminds us to raise awareness about the negative impact climate change has on vulnerable populations including those in the carceral system.
Veterans
Solar Ready Vets® Pilot Program
We're proud to champion veterans as leaders in the clean energy revolution! Veterans make up a significant portion of the solar workforce – exceeding their national employment rate. (Veterans represent 9% of the jobs in solar despite being 6% of the US workforce) Their dedication, technical skills, and proven ability to work collaboratively make them invaluable assets in building a sustainable future. By supporting veterans in the solar industry, we're not just creating jobs, we're empowering those who have served our country to continue their mission of service.
Special Needs
Solar Energy and Loan Fund (SELF)
SELF is an independent, non-profit, community-based lending organization focused on financing home renovations that promote energy efficiency, storm protection, water conservation, and disability products.
Their innovative program, Home Adaptation Loan Options (HALO), offers much-needed support to disabled homeowners. By making these essential upgrades more affordable, SELF empowers people with disabilities to live comfortably and safely in their own homes.
Energy Communities
Many communities have faced the burden of fossil fuel extraction, leaving behind not only environmental damage but also economic hardship. These areas, often called "energy communities" or "brownfields," deserve a chance at renewal.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 10% tax credit for projects located in energy communities, making it even more attractive for corporations to invest in these areas.
It's a win-win: corporations achieve their sustainability goals while these communities rebuild and thrive.
Communities
Together we can ensure ALL communities can benefit directly from renewable energy
Coal Communities
Economic Development Administration
We recognize the profound impact of the evolving coal economy on communities. Coal communities, as identified by the Interagency Working Group report, along with those that can demonstrate job losses or layoffs in any coal-dependent commercial sector (such as coal mining or coal-fired power plants), are at the heart of our focus.
Distressed City
The Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance (DCTA)
The Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance (DCTA) program is a crucial support system for local governments grappling with economic struggles. It’s all about offering a helping hand to these communities and their nonprofit partners, guiding them in their fight against persistent poverty. By providing tailored support to smaller towns and cities with populations under 50,000, HUD is dedicated to fostering resilience and hope, helping these areas build a brighter future for their residents.
Brownfield
Overview of EPA's Brownfields Program
A brownfield is a property where redevelopment or reuse might be challenging due to the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. In the U.S., there are estimated to be over 450,000 such sites. With this high number of brownfields, the U.S. should address and revitalize these brownfields which will not only boost local tax revenues and create job opportunities but also make use of existing infrastructure, reduce the pressure on undeveloped land, and enhance environmental protection and improvement.
Persistent Poverty County
USDA - Economic Research Service
Persistent poverty counties are those where poverty rates have remained at 20% or higher for at least 30 years. For 1999 and earlier years, these poverty rates are determined using data from the decennial census. These counties require transformative change, and leveraging renewable energy projects can be a key part of this. By focusing on renewable energy, these areas can create new economic opportunities, enhance the quality of life, and build a sustainable future for all residents.
Historically Redlined
Mapping Inequality - Redlining in New Deal America
In the United States, redlining is a discriminatory practice where services, including financial ones, are denied to individuals in neighborhoods labeled as 'hazardous' for investment, predominantly affecting racial and ethnic minorities. This practice not only involves denial of credit and insurance but also limits access to healthcare and contributes to food deserts. In retail, for example, placing supermarkets far from these communities reflects a redlining effect.
As climate change accelerates, addressing these injustices becomes even more critical. Renewable energy projects can play a crucial role in combating these effects by bringing investment and infrastructure improvements to historically underserved areas, enhancing resilience, and creating equitable economic opportunities for all residents.
Island and Coastal Communities
United Nations as Small Island Developing States, or SIDS
Island nations, with their low-lying shores, small land areas, and vulnerability to extreme weather and climate shifts, are especially at risk from global warming and climate change. As sea levels rise, these islands face profound threats to their people and cultures. Many small, sparsely populated islands struggle with inadequate resources to protect their communities and natural environments. The risks to health, livelihoods, and living space often make relocation a desperate but impractical option due to the lack of resources.
To support these vulnerable islands, it's essential to invest in climate adaptation strategies, including infrastructure improvements and renewable energy projects. With targeted assistance, we can help these communities build resilience, protect their environments, and ensure a sustainable future.
Endangered Species
Americans shouldn’t have to choose between reducing our greenhouse gas pollution and protecting our rich wildlife legacy from energy development. We can, and must, do both. Defenders of Wildlife is excited to be working with our conservation partners in leading the effort to encourage wildlife-friendly renewable energy development.
Least Developed Country (LDC)
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are among the most vulnerable and underserved nations, identified by the United Nations as having the lowest levels of socioeconomic development and the lowest Human Development Index ratings worldwide. The concept of LDCs originated in the late 1960s and the first group of LDCs was listed by the UN in its resolution 2768 (XXVI) of 18 November 1971. Investing in these countries isn’t just a matter of aid; it’s a vital step toward global progress. By supporting their growth and development, we can help lift millions out of poverty, create a more balanced global economy, and ensure a brighter future for all.
National Historic Register
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is a cherished list of our nation’s most treasured historic sites, recognized for their importance and worthiness of preservation. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, this program, managed by the National Park Service, plays a crucial role in bringing together public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and safeguard America’s historic and archaeological landmarks. It’s a way to honor and protect our heritage, ensuring that future generations can connect with the stories and places that shape our history.
Thoughtful implementation of renewable energy can ensure that these valuable landmarks remain preserved for future generations while also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Opportunity Zone
Opportunity Zones are a powerful economic development tool designed to encourage investment in distressed areas across the United States. Created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, these zones aim to boost economic growth and job creation in low-income communities while offering tax incentives to investors. Thousands of low-income neighborhoods in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories are designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones. Utilizing this tool can drive much-needed investment into these communities, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy reach the communities that need them most.
Heat Island
National Integrated Heat Health Information System
The National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) is a collaborative initiative developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NIHHIS aims to enhance our understanding of extreme heat, improve climate services, and develop science-based products to build societal resilience. By improving communication and capacity, we can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with extreme heat, ensuring that all communities, especially those historically excluded, are protected from its impacts.
Air Quality
The Most Detailed Map of Cancer-Causing Industrial Air Pollution in the U.S.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a threshold for an acceptable level of cancer risk from air pollution at 1 in 10,000, meaning one additional case of cancer per 10,000 people over a lifetime of exposure. However, the EPA aspires to an even safer standard of 1 in a million. Implementing renewable energy solutions is a huge opportunity and a smart, realistic approach to reducing the cancer risk associated with air pollution. By transitioning to clean energy sources, we can significantly cut emissions of harmful pollutants, making substantial progress toward the EPA’s goal of a safer and healthier environment.
Mission
Solar Stewards provides the opportunity to include a social mission within a climate action strategy
Universities and Colleges
On-campus solar energy systems help America’s colleges and universities shift to 100 percent clean, renewable energy while also saving money and providing learning opportunities for their students. Students at these institutions receive the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research, as is the case at Penn State where researchers use inexpensive optics to concentrate sunlight onto super-efficient next-generation solar cells. They can also gain access to vocational training and receive pre-professional learning opportunities in the design, production, and oversight of on-campus solar farms. Additionally, installing solar energy on rooftops, parking lots, or marginal land allows for energy generation to be closer to where the energy is used, ultimately creating more efficient systems.
Places of Worship
Faith groups have long espoused justice-driven values and mandates. But in step with rising concern over climate change, increasingly, religious missions not only entail addressing social and economic inequality, but also environmental injustice.
In many cases, churches, temples and mosques are taking an obvious first step: addressing their own emissions by subscribing to a nearby solar garden, or installing panels on their own roofs.
Libraries and Museums
Carter Library And Museum Unveils New Solar Energy System
Libraries and museums offer unique platforms to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and climate action. By integrating solar energy systems, these institutions can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, educate the public about renewable energy, and enjoy cost savings that can be redirected to enhance their core missions. The adoption of solar technology also increases their resiliency, ensuring they can continue to serve the community even during power outages. Beyond showcasing leadership in sustainability, implementing solar solutions serves as an educational tool, inspiring visitors to consider renewable energy in their own lives.
Primary and k-12 Schools
Education is pivotal in the fight against climate change. By adopting solar energy, schools can reduce their operational costs and redirect savings toward educational programs. More importantly, these initiatives foster environmental awareness among students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change in both the short and long term. Schools powered by renewable energy serve as living laboratories, providing hands-on learning opportunities that can inspire future generations of environmental stewards.
Affordable and Workforce Housing
Affordable housing providers are essential partners in the transition to an equitable and sustainable energy future. To support these providers, policies, and programs must be tailored to facilitate the integration of energy efficiency measures and solar resources. For instance, incentives such as lower mortgage insurance premiums for energy-efficient buildings, and requirements by state housing finance agencies to reduce energy use in projects pursuing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, can significantly lower energy costs for residents. These measures not only enhance the affordability of housing but also improve living conditions by ensuring access to clean, reliable energy. By investing in green upgrades, affordable housing can become a model of sustainability and resilience, benefiting both residents and the broader community.
Agriculture and Food Access
How “Agrivoltaics” Can Provide More Benefits Than Agriculture And Solar Photovoltaics Separately
Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar panels with agricultural activities, offers a promising solution to enhance land-use efficiency and address climate change. This approach allows for the simultaneous production of solar energy and agricultural products, creating synergies that benefit both sectors. Different configurations, such as combining solar PV with croplands, pastures, or pollinator habitats, can improve agricultural yields, reduce water usage, and provide shade for crops and livestock. Agrivoltaics not only supports sustainable energy and food production but also strengthens local economies and reduces resistance to solar deployment. By demonstrating the complementary benefits of solar and agriculture, agrivoltaics can drive wider adoption of renewable energy in rural and farming communities.
Non-Profits and NGOs
For environmental and conservation nonprofits, embedding equity and inclusion into their core practices is essential for their future and effectiveness. To fulfill their missions more effectively, these organizations must adopt management systems and processes that prioritize equity, ensuring diverse representation in leadership and decision-making roles. By fostering an inclusive culture, nonprofits can better address the environmental and social challenges facing marginalized communities. This approach not only enhances the credibility and impact of their work but also builds stronger, more resilient movements capable of driving systemic change.
Healthcare and Senior Housing
Solar for Health: Five Ways Solar Power Can Make Universal Healthcare a Reality
Reliable power is vital for quality healthcare, especially in remote and rural areas. Solar energy can ensure dependable power for lighting, vaccine refrigeration, and medical equipment. Renewable energy bridges gaps in healthcare access, providing the necessary infrastructure for universal healthcare. Solar-powered facilities can operate independently from unreliable grids, ensuring continuous care and improving health outcomes. Investing in solar energy ensures no woman gives birth in darkness and no child is left vulnerable due to power shortages, making universal healthcare a reality.
Local Governments
Local Government Guide for Solar Deployment
Local governments play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of solar energy and enhancing community resilience. By incorporating solar deployment into local resilience, sustainability, and climate action plans, municipalities can achieve significant environmental and economic benefits. Specific strategies include setting solar carve-outs within renewable energy targets, incentivizing the use of rooftop and parking-lot spaces for on-site solar installations, and powering municipal operations with solar energy. Additionally, solar energy can enhance local grid resilience by enabling the creation of grid islands that provide power during main grid disruptions. Pairing solar PV with energy storage systems ensures continuous power supply, thereby increasing the resilience of the local energy system against disruptive events.
Dirty Grids
You may be surprised to learn that the electricity you consume could be a lot dirtier than other electricity, even if it is feeding the same power grid.
This comprehensive dataset includes various environmental characteristics—emissions of greenhouse gases, percentages of renewables vs. non-renewable fuels, net generation—for almost all electric power generated throughout the United States.
International
IFC - The Dirty Footprint of the Broken Grid
Around the world, nearly 1 billion people live without access to electricity, and about 840 million more live with unreliable and intermittent service from electric grids. For many of them, fossil fuel backup generators are the only source of power. But these machines offer a problematic, intermediate solution: their cost of operation is high, they fill neighborhoods and cities with noise pollution, and the exhaust is hazardous to health and the environment.
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