Since Vestas joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative in 2009, the company has been actively supporting the 10 principles within the business and supply chain. The 10 principles guide Vestas’ CSR work, whilst the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are used as a framework for respecting human rights.

 Core to CSR at Vestas is building the social license to operate and conducting social due diligence based on international standards. Vestas’ Social Due Diligence systematically identifies, quantifies, and assesses the social risks associated with Vestas’ project activities in emerging markets. 

The results of the Social Due Diligence is to prevent/mitigate negative impacts and create alignment between the customer and other stakeholders, in order to gain and maintain the social license to operate and to clearly define roles and responsibilities in the project. 

At Vestas we know and understand that establishing and maintaining a Social License to Operate is essential for successful and sustainable projects, especially in emerging markets. This is why Vestas prioritises working with customers, local authorities, communities, and other actors in wind farm projects to develop good relationships and invest back in the local community.

In partnership with our customers, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vestas engages in activities including local employment, community development, and training & education to establish a positive footprint in the communities where the wind farms are located. Our Social License to Operate strategy essentially builds a healthy foundation of community acceptance, which supports the positive acceptance of the wind farm throughout its lifetime. 

This approach has led to CSR initiatives in local communities connected to projects Vestas has built around the world aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), some of which are introduced below:

Vestas has more than 40 years of experience in pioneering wind energy in new markets and with our unique global reach with turbines in 80 countries on six continents, we have the knowledge and expertise to install wind turbines anywhere in the world.

Located more than 1,200 km from the port of Mombasa at the eastern shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya, and with average wind speeds exceeding 11 m/s, the 310 MW wind park is a testament to Vestas’ ability to go anywhere the wind blows. 

Watch the "The windiest place on earth" video to learn how Lake Turkana project came to life. You can also watch our short teaser to get a quick peak into Lake Turkana. 

Sustainable Development Goals covered:

When the 100 MW turnkey project Taralkatti wind farm in Karnataka state in India was signed in 2017, the project marked a milestone for Vestas in India. To support Vestas’ CSR approach, Vestas has invested in community skills development, focusing on training 60 young rural women in tailoring, sewing, and stitching, and providing equipment to a local industrial training institute supporting over 80 rural youths. 

Vestas has also prioritised education initiatives in the local area; approximately 550 school children from four local schools have benefitted from a solar powered digital education platform installed by Vestas, and the company has furthermore supported several schools with donating educational supplies impacting over 1,050 students.

More information about CSR in India >

Sustainable Development Goals covered:

Near Bahía Blanca in Argentina, Vestas has built a 100 MW turnkey wind farm. In order to increase awareness on renewable energy and to create renewable energy at educational institutions, Vestas and our customer partnered with a local NGO to build small 350W wind turbines based on a DIY concept. 

Nine Vestas employees assisted hands on the project. The students were trained by the NGO to build these small turbines so that in the future they can build more turbines for the rural communities in the area.

Sustainable Development Goals covered:

To further understand the potential socio-economic impact of the development of wind park in emerging markets, and contribute towards building knowledge in this area, Vestas partnered with an external consulting specialist to develop a methodology and accordingly map the socio-economic developments such as reduced transport time, increased economic activity, and increased accessibility for education and health authorities in the area. 

The Impact Study provides valuable input for the continued discussion on how to minimise impacts from large-scale renewable energy projects in emerging markets, and how to enhance positive contributions to the host country and the local communities.

Download the Impact Study >