Environmental stewardship
We are going beyond business as usual to enhance ecosystems and biodiversity, take science-based climate action and improve circularity.
We support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Biodiversity
The air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat all rely on biodiversity. As such, we are committed to improving the ecosystems of the projects we design.
As part of our work to develop sustainable renewable energy, we aim to not only avoid damage to the environment but to make a positive impact through our work. We strive to do this through careful habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement.
In 2024, 88% of our Lightsource bp developed projects had a Biodiversity Management Plan.
Our work to improve ecosystems includes:
- careful site selection, avoiding sensitive and protected areas
- robust environmental impact assessments
- identifying opportunities for biodiversity enhancement
- biodiversity management plans (BMP) setting out habitat enhancements and ongoing monitoring
Multi use solar farms
We recognise that every parcel of land we work with is individual to the landowner and personal to local communities. Where appropriate, we aim to develop multi-use projects that integrate grazing, pollinator habitats, enhance ecosystems and biodiversity, and improve circularity, while providing secure and sustainable long-term income for landowners. In 2024, we signed 63 new contracts with farming and agricultural communities, strengthening partnerships that combine agricultural production with low-carbon energy generation.
Benefits of multi use solar farms
- Ground mounted solar panels sit on posts, several feet in the air. The posts themselves cover less than 10% of the ground. This leaves plenty of open space underneath to maximise the sustainable benefits of solar.
- On many of our sites, the ground is seeded with carefully curated grasses and pollinator-friendly flowers before construction. This helps stabilise the soil during construction and provides habitat for insects and wildlife throughout the project life.
- Agrivoltaics is the co-location of solar and agriculture. At some of the facilities, livestock graze beneath the panels, and co-locating food crops with solar at other.
- As vegetation and manure decompose, they enrich the soil with carbon and nutrients. Underground, the soil remains undisturbed for decades.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Through our renewable energy solutions, Lightsource bp is already providing low-carbon renewable energy. But we also recognise that we can do more to reduce emissions associated with our operational footprint and our supply chain.
Emissions reduction targets
As we continue to deliver renewable energy at scale, we will need to work collaboratively with the value chain to implement change and reduce emissions.
Our GHG emissions targets:
- reducing our absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2021 base year
- reducing our scope 3 GHG emissions 52% per MW generation capacity constructed by 2030 from a 2021 base year
We publish our GHG emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 in our annual Sustainability Report, which you can download below.
For the 2024 reporting year, we have used this GHG Basis of Reporting.
Circularity
As a company that develops, constructs and operates renewable energy facilities, we seek to positively impact the waste footprint of our operations by working with our suppliers in design, construction and operation.
Quality – One of the most important actions we can take to reduce waste is to design and construct with quality, to extend the life of our assets.
Waste management – We require our primary suppliers and contractors to follow local and regional waste regulations. We are also working to increase the visibility of our waste footprint across all project life stages.
Solar panel recycling – To reduce waste to landfill, we commit to reuse or recycle solar panels in our owned assets.
Discover more
Energy
Read about how we’re decarbonising across our business, protecting ecosystems and minimising waste.
Social responsibility
Read about how our business is committed to understanding the needs of local communities and creating a safe and healthy place for people to work.
Join Lightsource bp
Choose a career where you are empowered to ‘be the change’. If you are passionate about supporting the energy transition, and looking to join a global company focused on delivering renewable energy and energy storage solutions, visit our careers page to find out more about working at Lightsource bp.