Energy in Focus – Building a culture of safety at Lightsource bp
At Lightsource bp safety is more than a priority. It is a core value that shapes how we develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects around the world.
From early design through to implementation, our approach to responsible development is grounded in one expectation – zero harm for our people, partners and communities.
For Will Manchas, Head of HSE for the USA and EMEA, safety is a purpose-led career. After working nearly 30 years in energy, he is clear that reliable, renewable energy must be built without compromising people or the environment.
Joining Lightsource bp six years ago, Will was one of the first HSE leaders in the USA. With the company on a rapid growth trajectory, he saw the opportunity to build and scale safety culture from day one.
“In Lightsource bp I saw a company that was eager to grow globally, providing an opportunity to build and scale a safety culture across multiple continents, technologies and regulatory landscapes. It was the ideal moment to define how we work and what we stand for. Today that culture starts from the top with our CEO and is embedded across every function and project team.”
The benefit of embedding safety early shows up in very real ways for Lightsource bp’s projects. Will explains that during one major commissioning phase, early design intervention flagged a safety critical equipment risk. By addressing it upfront, the team prevented potential failures and unplanned outages. “Those corrective safety actions ultimately safeguarded workers and protected critical assets” he says.
As Lightsource bp continue to expand across new markets and technologies, the focus remains on continuous improvement. “It’s about challenging ourselves to innovate and set new benchmarks. We are never ‘done’ with safety. It is built into every decision we make.”
Watch our conversation with Will to learn how Lightsource bp’s safety-first mindset delivers responsible development and strengthens trusted partnerships across every project.
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