Additionality is a test traditionally applied to carbon offsets and in plain terms, means that the activity or project would not have happened without the contribution or incentive from the carbon offset, or in this case, corporate sponsorship of the solar project.

Testing for additionality is the first theme because it is a gating factor with Ever.green’s projects. Companies want to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. That only happens where more renewables are getting built than is today. We want sponsoring solar projects to be as impactful, if not more impactful, than choosing to install solar on-site.

We look at the impact of the materials as well as the impact of the project on the land and wildlife.

Materials impact looks at the physical components of the solar panel supply chain, i.e. disclosures on ethical labor practices, material recyclability, and certification or registration with a third-party group such as EPEAT or SEIA.

Land use requires that projects avoid critical habitat and conduct an expert assessment to ensure land use regulations are met. Bonus points are available for building in more low-impact areas (such as urban environments and brownfields), as well as best land management practices that can be utilized to further reduce the impacts of the project.

The Wildlife section focuses on conducting expert wildlife impact assessments and complying with local and federal wildlife laws. Bonus points are awarded for minimizing impact on species of concern, using best management practices, and wildlife-friendly construction and O&M.

The transition to renewable energy can have direct benefits to the community from creating jobs with fair wages and benefits to lowering energy costs and improving air quality. Sizing projects to be smaller and/or engaging with the community can help make sure everyone benefits from new projects.

A just transition to renewable energy requires contracts for fair labor practices and safety measures (e.g. a Responsible Contractor Policy), as well as paying prevailing wages and utilizing a certain percentage of registered apprentices in the construction of the project, as outlined in the IRA. Bonus points are awarded for going beyond the IRA requirements, employing local contractors and engaging in workforce development programs or something similar.

And to lift up communities, smaller projects must not have strong community opposition while larger projects should have community support. Bonus points are awarded for smaller projects that cause less disruption, community health benefits, community engagement initiatives (i.e. school programs, tours), on-site education centers or community centers, and siting smaller projects in low-income or Tribal communities to address environmental inequities.