Sustainability
View our 2024 Sustainability Highlights Report Download Here
Powering with Purpose
At Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE), we recognize the profound interconnection between our operations, the environment, and the communities we serve. Every day, we bring clean power to communities and businesses nationwide, driven by our deeply ingrained commitment to sustainability. Our portfolio of wind, solar, and energy storage solutions goes beyond meeting demand; it catalyzes positive change while forging enduring partnerships that strengthen both our company and the world around us.
I am energized by the passion and dedication of our employees, who embody one of our core values: Sustainability In All We Do. Sustainability is the guiding principle that drives us forward, ensuring every decision and innovation echoes our commitment to a cleaner, brighter future.
– Jason Allen, CEO
Our Impact
Providing long-term, sustainable energy solutions is at our core. We currently own and operate a portfolio of 31 renewable energy facilities across 12 states totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of generating capacity.
87,048,983
Renewable Energy Produced since 2003 (MWh)
8,307,037
Equivalent Homes Powered*
44,771,608
Metric Tons of CO(2)e Emissions Avoided
52,272,170
Total Emissions Avoided is equivalent to carbon sequestered by 52,272,170 acres of US forest in one year**
100%
Decommissioned turbines recycled or reused since 2020
2022-2023
72%
Increase in Employees
90%
Employee Engagement Level
50%
Target ambition for job candidates from historically underrepresented groups
34%
Diversity representation
$61M
Annual Local Impact***
*Equivalent Homes Powered Calculation
This figure is calculated by using internal operational site-specific data for Total Net Energy Generated [MWh], multiplying by the most recent data for State Output Emission Rates [lb/MWh] eGrid2022[1] for CO2e based on which state the operational site resides in, converting to metric tons, and then aggregating data across all relevant sites. For the purposes of this calculation, LRE assumes that emissions rates and GRID boundaries are consistent across the entirety of the state.
**Emissions Avoided Calculation Method
Total Emissions Avoided is equivalent to carbon sequestered by 52,272,170 acres of US forests in one year. This figure is calculated by using internal operational site-specific data for Total Net Energy Generated [MWh], multiplying by the most recent data for State Output Emission Rates [lb/MWh] eGrid2022[1] for CO2e based on which state the operational site resides in, converting to metric tons, and then aggregating data across all relevant sites. For the purposes of this calculation, LRE assumes that emissions rates and GRID boundaries are consistent across the entirety of the state.
***Community contributions, donations, landowner payments, and taxes.
We’re advancing a low-carbon future through innovation, responsible sourcing, and full-lifecycle sustainability throughout the development, construction, and operation of our renewable energy projects. This commitment optimizes our wind, solar, and energy storage development and operations, and increases the reliability and scalability of clean power generation.
“low-carbon” — “Defined as zero emissions at point of generation.”
Empowered Teams
We are a values-driven, inclusive culture where well-being, diversity, and professional growth are prioritized.
Our employees are involved in hands-on experiences to learn and explore different parts of our business and industry. This develops their skills and knowledge that fosters engagement and creativity across all our teams, and more exciting career opportunities for everyone.
Guided by our values
Acting with integrity
Sustainability in all we do
Diversity in action
Empowering our people
Safety & Health of our teams
Celebrate & Have fun
Purposeful collaboration
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We provide a safe and inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, and where the contributions of all individuals are valued and respected. Embracing our differences promotes innovation, creativity, and collaboration, and our commitment to DE&I is essential to LRE’s success.
We strive to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the population in which we operate, and we believe that diverse voices should be elevated and intentionally integrated into our work. See our DE&I policy for more.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
DEI is a key strategic priority for LRE.
Our employee-led ERGs are the heart and soul of LRE’s diversity and inclusion efforts. They amplify the voices of individuals, celebrate unique perspectives and experiences, and cultivate an environment where every employee can thrive and contribute.
LRE’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs):
The Collective (Ethnic Minorities)
Catalyst (Early Career)
LRE PRIDE (LGBTQ+)
empowHER network (Women)
Sustainability Networks
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
Our most valued resource is our people. LRE fosters a culture of safety that enables people to perform work and return home safely. We strive for ZERO workplace health and safety incidents and ZERO OSHA-related non-compliance events.
Our commitment to safe work extends to all our stakeholders, including our employees, contractors, and the communities in which we operate. For more, see our Health & Safety policy.
LRE strives for ZERO workplace health & safety incidents and ZERO exposures due to OSHA non-compliance.
LRE Culture Club
LRE Culture Club
Formed to partner with the Senior Leadership Team on priority employee engagement opportunities, the LRE Culture Club is made up of employees across the organization who are passionate about building a stronger LRE.
The Club
- Helps guide our employee engagement strategy
- Leads employee engagement programs, initiatives, and recognition
- Leads and engages Employee Resource Groups
- Contributes feedback on our flexible benefit programs
Training & Development
Training & Development
Our people are our priority. We’re evolving professional development and LRE career aspirations, offering experiences to enhance our inclusive culture, and continuously educating to maintain our competitive edge.
Clean Energy Excellence
LRE advances the energy transition and preserves the environment for future generations by providing clean, reliable energy through responsible growth, development, and innovation.
We are driven by our collective passion for protecting the environment.
Contributing to a sustainable future requires a commitment to sustainability throughout every phase of a project’s lifecycle.
Advancing a Low-Carbon Future
Advancing a Low-Carbon Future
LRE increased our renewable energy capacity by 61 percent from 2021 – 2023, producing more than 13.9 million megawatt-hours (MWh). This is enough clean electricity to power over 1.4 million homes per year and avoid over 5.1 million metric tons of CO2e.
Lifecycle Management
Lifecycle Management
LRE is laser focused on driving sustainable practices throughout all stages of our projects. From project inception to end-of-operation, we actively work to keep our materials out of landfills
Recycling
Recycling
LRE is committed to advancing recycling that reduces our waste footprint. Our decommissioned wind turbines and blades are recycled into new materials such as the reinforcing fibers used to strengthen concrete, and steel recycling that is used in NEXTracker’s solar tracking technology.
Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains
Our business partners adhere to LRE’s Supplier Code of Conduct. This outlines responsible procurement practices that consider the environmental, social, and ecological impact of components and equipment used for our projects. Responsible development is one of LRE’s core values, and we partner with manufacturers and suppliers that commit to preventing the use of forced labor.
Cultivating Thriving Environments & Communities
We contribute to the communities where we reside and strive to leave the land better than we found it. LRE considers the land, natural resources, and related ecosystems throughout every phase of a project’s lifecycle.
Our Land Stewardship Approach
Biodiversity Protection
- Avoiding sensitive and protected habitats
- Innovative management practices
- Robust biodiversity management plans
Soil Health & Fertility
- Soil stabilization through vegetation management plans
- Promoting carbon sequestration
- Increasing water quality and improving infiltration levels
Agrivoltaics (the co-location of solar and agriculture)
- Apiaries
- Grazing
- Pollinator habitats
LAND STEWARDSHIP Benefits
Climate Resiliency
- Carbon sequestration
- Increase water infiltration and retention
- Drought resilient lands in the face of changing climate
Economic Resiliency
- Enhanced land quality and value
- Create long-term jobs
- Create new income opportunities for agricultural communities: farmers, ranchers, and land managers
Environmental Benefits
- Soil stabilization
- Erosion prevention
- Enhance habitat practices for plant and animal biodiversity
environmental
Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship
We collaborate with local experts in soil health, plant science, ecology, biology, regenerative agriculture, and rangeland management to develop comprehensive vegetation management and maintenance plans.
Community Partnership
Community Partnership
We build trust from the beginning of the permitting process by investing in what matters most to our communities. Extensive outreach and active listening allow us to form lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and local stakeholders.
Governance
Underlying our three strategic pillars is our commitment to strong governance and ethical business practices to ensure we build trusted relationships, minimize risk, and strengthen our business. Our Employee Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct provide clear direction on the values and standards expected.
Board of Directors
LRE’s Board of Directors is responsible for oversight of LRE’s Sustainability strategy, initiatives, policies & data and to ensure progress is made throughout LRE’s ESG journey. The Compensation Committee is responsible for oversite of DEI initiatives.
ESG Steering Committee
LRE’s ESG Steering Committee, comprised of members of LRE’s senior leadership team, is responsible for prioritizing strategic direction, approvals, & sponsorship for sustainability initiatives.
ESG Team
The ESG team and working groups, comprised of employees from across LRE’s functions, is responsible for design & implementation of LRE’s sustainability initiatives.
Policies
View our policies to learn more about our people, communities, and environmental stewardship commitments.