In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Paris Agreement, which requires the Parties to control the global temperature rise within 2 ℃, but according to the 2019 Emissions Gap Report published by the United Nations, it is estimated that the global temperature rise will still reach 3.2 ℃ by the end of this century. Although CO2-based greenhouse gases
do not pose a fatal risk to humans in the short term, they can continue to affect human life for a long time. Energy saving and carbon reduction is an important issue in the process of sustainable development of the earth. In the current global climate crisis, how to save energy and reduce carbon has become an urgent issue. By accelerating the application of green energy to adapt to and mitigate climate disasters, countries can ultimately achieve the goal
of carbon neutrality. This will significantly increase investment in green energy infrastructure, such as the U.S. Build Back Better Plan, India's national infrastructure plan and China's energy policy changes, which will bring unlimited development for the green energy industry. According to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance survey, global solar capacity has reached 268GW in 2022 and is expected to exceed 300GW in 2023. Although Taiwan is not a party to
the Paris Agreement, it ranks 19th in the world in terms of carbon emissions and has an unavoidable responsibility to respond to key issues such as climate change and global warming mitigation.
Global economy is under pressure from geopolitical tension, energy crisis, inflation, China’s zero Covid policies and raising interest rate by U.S. Fed in 2022. Solar industry is boosted by the energy crisis, geopolitical tension and Inflation Reduction Act from U.S.A., the total global annual installed capacity growth rate about 47.3%, became second highest growth rate in the history of solar development. United Renewable Energy Co., Ltd.(A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) is committed to creating, storing and saving energy. In terms of energy creation, URECO will improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion, increase power generation per unit area, and reduce production (power generation) costs, and by 2022, URECO had reached a production capacity of 1.42 GW and generated 2.073 billion kWh of electricity.
This equates to 1,055,184 tons of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to the carbon capture capacity of 2,713 Daan Park for one year. In terms of energy storage, Taipower has joined hands with URECO to build a 20MW (megawatt) energy storage system at the SYT solar photo-voltaic (PV) site, creating Taiwan's first Taipower "Taipower's South Yan-Tian (SYT) ESS system", the first Taipower's solar storage system in Taiwan. In terms of
energy saving, under URECO's continuous improvement in production, R&D and strict self-imposed requirements, the process had saved 2,449,213 kWh of energy in 2022, and its carbon emission intensity (metric tons of CO2e/MW) had decreased by 11.8% compared to 2021, fully demonstrating URECO's determination to save energy.
In addition, as a leading manufacturer of solar batteries, solar modules and solar power systems, we have been committed to our vision of making solar energy affordable for every household since our establishment, with the mission of providing sustainable and affordable clean energy. URECO has been actively developing solar power system development and construction and providing asset management services under its system
business and module brand. In the past few years, URECO has been providing professional localized system development and construction services in various countries with its excellent global business team, with the aim of ensuring affordable and reliable modern energy services for all in order to achieve the United Nations'
sustainable development goals; While striving for sustainable growth, we also promote the concept of green energy, energy conservation and environmental protection to our customers, users, partners and the general public around the world, hoping that we will not only be responsible to our shareholders, customers and employees, but also show our
care and contribution to the environment and society. URECO will focus on the module brand and solar energy system business to promote the competitiveness of Taiwan's solar industry and to support the national energy policy of the Taiwan government. URECO will assist Taiwan in transitioning its energy supply with government funding and policy support to reach the goal of 20GW of cumulative solar photo-voltaic installations by 2025. We continue to achieve excellent results and have received numerous certifications from international and domestic institutions.
In developing the business, promoting sustainability has become URECO's business motto. URECO understands that it is necessary to publicly disclose the results of the company's efforts in the areas of Corporate Governance, Employee and Community Involvement, Partnerships, and Green Energy and
Environmental Protection to stakeholders and the public. URECO also needs to self-examine the extent to which its corporate development strategy is aligned with sustainability and meets the expectations of society.
URECO believes that our employees are one of the most important assets of our company. We uphold a mutually trusting and respectful employment relationship, recruit talented people, and strive to build a good and safe working environment, as well as provide employees with diversity and equal opportunities, a system of equal pay for both female and male workers, solid education and training, and diverse and smooth communication channels, in order to create a win-win future with our employees. In 2022, due to the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic, the company has implemented separate offices and employee distribution to ensure employee safety and to reduce the need for cross-plant deployment of personnel. During severe epidemic periods, we conducted corporate rapid
diagnostic tests and PCR testing for high-risk groups to reassure the workforce. In addition, we also strengthen our inplant
epidemic prevention equipment such as thermometers, regular supply of medical masks, disinfection equipment such as alcohol hand wash machines and alcohol disinfectant for public spaces. In addition, URECO, as a member of the society, has been working on the ground one step at a time and has continued to participate in
public charity activities over the years, such as regularly inviting mentally disabled baking groups to set up booths at its plants, conducting elderly care activities and helping disadvantaged children in the rural areas of Hsinchu. Although some of the activities have been adjusted due to the severe epidemic, URECO is still taking practical
actions to support social charity, and at the end of 2022, we will invite our colleagues to participate in donation activities so that the poor can receive warm assistance and spread happiness without being affected by the epidemic.
URECO has donated high-efficiency solar panels and participated in the "Power to the Tribes" program to promote the sustainable goal of tribal energy self-dependence, URECO will continue to walk the path of public charity and look forward to giving back to society in various methods of loving the homeland
and the earth in the future.
Looking ahead, advances in solar photo-voltaic technology will be one of the keys to the sustainability of life on Earth; URECO will lead Taiwan's solar industry into a new era of 2.0, with a business model based on system business and module branding, so that Taiwan's green energy industry will continue to thrive in Taiwan, and we will continue to improve the conversion efficiency and quality of batteries and modules based on our existing
leadership, and actively develop downstream solar power plant business. Based on our core functions and passion for the environment, we will integrate sustainable development into our business strategy to create a positive cycle and make our company a world-class benchmark in the solar energy industry, contributing to a greener and more beautiful
world (We Make the World Greener) and moving toward the goal of sustainable management.
Stakeholders communication and material issues’identification (extract from 2022 ESG report)
Following the GRI Standards, United Renewable Energy Co., Ltd.(A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) conducted the stakeholders and material issues analysis based on the following steps to confirm the disclosure of performance parameters in the 2017 CSR report: the identification of material issues and stakeholders, the investigation and analysis of material issues, the confirmation of the boundaries and scope of material issues.
URECO
Establish process of ESG Report
Review latest ESG Report
Step. 1 Identification
(Five major stakeholders groups)
(16 Sustainability Topics)
Step. 2 Investigation and Analysis
Step. 3 Confirm
Stakeholders Identification
Stakeholders are the groups that affect or are affected by United Renewable Energy Co., Ltd.(A company from Taiwan where the sun shines). We have identified stakeholders according to the nature of our operations and business through three working groups under the ESG office: Economic, Environmental and Social. Although the solar industry has experienced dramatic price fluctuations in recent years, the stakeholders have not changed much, so URECO continues to use the same identification method as in previous years: the AA1000 SES: 2015 Stakeholder Engagement Standard (SES) guidelines identify the major stakeholders based on the five principles of stakeholder responsibility, influence, dependency, tension, and diverse perspectives. We have identified five major groups of stakeholders: government agencies, customers, suppliers, employees, and shareholders/investors.
Stakeholders communication channel and respond
Government agencies
It is the basic requirement of the enterprise that the government supervises and checks the compliance of the company's laws and regulations and meets and responds to the government's laws and regulations.
・ Ethics and Integrity
・ Regulator compliance
・ Anti-corruption
・ Grievance System
・ Economic performance
・ Waste Management
・ Energy Saving / Carbon Reduction
・ Water Usage management
・ Labor-Management Communication
・ Equal opportunities for employees and No discrimination
・ Charitable activities involvement
Shareholders and investors
Shareholders and investors are the main sources of the company's funding. They are committed to improving the transparency of information disclosure to reduce information asymmetry.
・ Economic performance
・ Corporate Governance
・ Company Competitiveness
・ Risk Management
・ Regulator compliance
・ Green products and service
・ Occupational Safety and Health
・ Labor-Management Communication
・ Salary and welfare
・ Equal opportunities for employees and No discrimination
・ Grievance System
・ Cultivation of talent
Customer
The customer is the main source of revenue for the company. We understand that the quality of service will affect the customer's trust in company and the opportunities for continued cooperation in the future; therefore, we adhere to quality service and pay attention to our customer needs.
・ Customer Relationships
・ Product liability
・ Green products and service
・ Ethics and Integrity
・ Regulator compliance
・ Equal opportunities for employees and No discrimination
・ Economic performance
・ Labor-Management Communication
・ Occupational Safety and Health
・ Anti-corruption
・ Carbon reduction
Employee
Employees are important and the greatest company’s assets. And also the driver of the company's continued growth, giving employees a good and safe working environment, and establishing a mutual trust in labor relations can maintain the company's technological leadership and competitiveness.
・ Occupational Safety and Health
・ Salary and welfare
・ Cultivation of talent
・ Equal opportunities for employees and No discrimination
・ Labor-Management Communication
・ Regulator compliance
・ Grievance System
・ Anti-corruption
・ Charitable activities involvement
Supplier/Contractor/Outsourcers
Suppliers, contractors and outsourcers are the main sources of raw materials and production equipment of company. Maintaining a long-term and close partnerships with suppliers can also reduce uncertainty in supply and delivery and increase customer satisfaction.
・ Economic performance
・ Purchasing policy
・ Supplier management and audit
・ Occupational Safety and Health
・ Energy Saving / Carbon Reduction
・ Environmental investment and research development
・ Material management
・ Anti-corruption
・ Grievance System
・ Salary and welfare
Major issue analysis and respond
The ESG Office takes stakeholder's concern for the sustainability theme. The combined regenerative energy operational impact score plus of more than 15 points is a major sustainability theme, with seven items. At the same time, the ESG office considers the balance of the theme and adds two major sustainability themes. In 2017, major sustainability themes include: ethical integrity, economic performance, compliance, energy conservation, carbon reduction, sewage and waste, labor-management communication, compensation and benefits, occupational safety and health, total of nine major sustainability themes.
Stakeholder attention at sustainability types
Analysis and influences in type of material issues
Major sustainability topics and performance indicators
・ Ethics and Integrity
Based on a clean and responsible business philosophy, we develop a policy based on integrity and establish a good corporate governance and risk management mechanism to create a sustainable business environment. Establish a corporate culture of integrity management and establish a reference structure for business operations.
Expose chapter: Ethics and Integrity and Regulator compliance
・ Economic performance
Continued growth in operational performance creates a positive cycle that provides the driving force behind URECO's development. (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.)
Expose chapter: Operating performance
・ Regulator compliance
From the aspects of corporate governance, anti-corruption, pollution prevention, labor human rights, occupational safety, etc., URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) conform to the legal norms, and it is also the basic spirit of moving towards sustainable management. From the perspective of social welfare, it is to enable URECO to strengthen its corporate responsibility and discipline.
Expose chapter: Regulator compliance
・ Energy Saving / Carbon Reduction
URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) as a member of the green energy industry, we keep contributed our efforts to slow down global warming and to reduce the impact of production activities and services on the environment.
With a certain economic scale of solar cells and module production lines, and also the ability to build ground and rooftop power systems. In addition to the continuous deployment of high-quality and efficient solar power systems around the world, and active carbon footprint verification of solar cells and module products, URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) is expected to provide customers with efficient, low-carbon solar products to help customers seized the opportunity with low-carbon energy products.
・ Sewage and waste
URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) is committed to mitigating the impact of global warming and manufacturing on the environment, and continuously reducing the power consumption, chemical usage and waste generation per unit of production, while also reducing water consumption and waste water treatment needs to reduce. Meanwhile, the classification of office waste continues to be promoted to increase the resource recovery rate of general activities.
Expose chapter: Water Pollution Control/Waste Management
・ Labor-Management Communication and Salary & welfare
Compared with other tangible resources, human resources have more meaning and characteristics of sustainable development. Good labor relations can effectively understand the needs and expectations of employees, to strengthen employee focus and retain outstanding talents. URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) pays attention to the development of every employee. We expect everyone are happy at work. The overall salary planning and well welfare can meet the basic physiological needs of employees.
Pursuing the development of a good workplace environment, improving employee identification and allowing individual work values to grow in line with the company's corporate culture, can enable employees to meet higher levels of psychological needs. Through the construction of a well-recognized labor-management relationship, each of URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) members will be able to grow up and contribute at here. The continuous stream of high-quality human resources is the secret weapon for the continuous development of URECO.
Expose chapter: 'I have something to say' and improve the labor-management communication channel / overall compensation planning and well welfare / establish a friendly workplace to encourage employees to find a balance between work and life / human resources
・ Occupational Safety and Health
URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) invested a large amount of resources in the safety inspection of the machine for the expansion of the new machine or the transfer/machine conversion plan, including the necessary cover and interlocking devices to reduce the chance of damage to the production equipment.
URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment, in addition to continuing to provide health screening programs for colleagues which is superior to the law, and to carry out health promotion activities such as maternal protection, operator hazards, pressure and weight loss. The Tainan Fab was awarded on the Health Management Award by the National Health Department of the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
In conjunction with the development of Taiwan's green energy, URECO (A company from Taiwan where the sun shines.) participate in Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association (TPVIA) Environmental Safety Committee platform, draft the safety management and personnel operation protection of the solar system construction, promote and establishment of safety regulations and guidelines with the Solar Energy System Association. The period can reduce the occupational accident rate of building workers and improve the safety performance of solar power plant construction.
Expose chapter: Safe workplace/Healthy workplace