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***

*See calculation methodology here.

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.”

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

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

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

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

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.

Environments

We contribute to the communities where we reside to 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.

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. From promoting conservation and restoration efforts to nurturing biodiversity, our program employs innovative methods like agrivoltaics. This approach integrates farming, grazing, and the cultivation of pollinator habitats and apiaries, fostering a diverse and resilient ecosystem.

Central to our strategy is a focus on soil health, resulting in a diverse and resilient ecosystem. This holistic approach underlines LRE’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability. 

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

Agrivoltaics at Work

Agrivoltaics is defined as the co-location of solar energy and agriculture, and is a long-established practice in the renewable energy industry that’s gaining more traction in the U.S., particularly sheep grazing. LRE has a number of agrivoltaic practices in effect at our operating plants ranging from pollinator habitats at Oak Trail Solar in North Carolina to LRE’s agrivoltaics pilot program at Big Plain Solar in Ohio which hosts both apiaries and sheep.

Sheep Grazing at Horizon Solar

Sheep grazing brings a number of advantages to renewable energy projects and is in perfect alignment with the company’s land stewardship goals. LRE’s Horizon Solar project in Frio County, Texas hosts a flock of over 3000 Dorper sheep that graze beneath the site’s solar panels.

communities

As dedicated members of our project communities, our involvement goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We believe being a good neighbor means supporting the local causes our communities are passionate about. Whether through employee volunteer opportunities or corporate-level sponsorships, we look for positive ways to stay actively engaged with our communities.

Beginning in 2025, LRE will be launching the LRE Foundation. The Foundation will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy adoption, advancing our positive environmental impact, furthering safe and healthy work practices, and uplifting the communities we work with through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and skill development.

Supporting Agricultural Tradition in Hart County, KY

As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, we’ve collaborated closely with partners to preserve Hart County’s agricultural tradition. We are proud to have donated to The Cattlemen’s Association, assisting them in purchasing high-cost equipment for local farmers to rent at affordable prices.

Advancing Local Solar Skills in Licking County, OH

As part of our Union Ridge Solar project, we are collaborating with the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1105 to craft an immersive training course with hands-on experience in the design, construction, and operation of solar energy projects.

Supporting Education and Innovation in Michigan

As part of our effort to help cultivate the next generation of renewable energy leaders, LRE is sponsoring the University of Michigan Solar Car Team, one of the most successful solar car racing teams in the world. LRE will provide financial support, leadership, and engagement to help in the development of the team’s latest solar car.

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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.

Learn more

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.