International standards for handling environmental and social issues when investing in renewable energy

On behalf of Energy Norway and the Energy and Development Project Vista Analysis and Norplan has written a compendium describing international standards for environ mental and social performance for renewable energy projects, with particular focus on such projects in developing countries. Renewable energy, including large hydropower plants, is and will continue to be an important part of the solution to the climate challenge and other environmental concerns, and for securing a sustainable development. On the other side poorly managed energy projects can worsen both the environmental and social conditions for those directly and indirectly affected by the project. Therefore it is important that energy projects are managed in a sustain able and socially equitable way, assuring that the renewable energy actually is clean and fair. The purpose of this compendium is to guide companies who are planning to engage in, or already are engaged in, renewable energy projects. The focus is on hydro power project in developing countries, and on environmental and social issues (including corporate social responsibility, CSR). The emphasis is on how to ensure that the energy project will be eligible for project financing from international finance insti tu tions, and how to comply with standards and principles in the planning, construc tion and operation of an energy facility.