Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) renewable energy projects require specialized frameworks as the sector rapidly expands toward 2050 net-zero targets. Ensuring HRIA compliance across wind, solar, and charging infrastructure has become critical for sustainable development. This case study demonstrates how Ksapa developed a streamlined Human Rights Impact Assessment framework specifically designed for renewable energy operations, enabling a global energy leader to scale sustainable practices across their diversified portfolio while maintaining rigorous human rights standards.
THE CHALLENGE: Scaling HRIA Compliance in Renewable Energy
The transition to renewable energy presents a paradox: while essential for climate action, renewable projects can pose significant human rights risks including land displacement, community disruption, labor violations, and impacts on indigenous peoples’ sacred sites.
Our client, a major energy company committed to net-zero by 2050, faced a critical challenge. Their rapid expansion into renewables—spanning onshore and offshore wind farms, solar installations, and EV charging networks—required comprehensive human rights due diligence. However, existing HRIA methodologies were designed for large-scale projects and proved inadequate for the client’s diverse, fast-deployment renewable assets distributed globally.
KEY PAIN POINTS
- Existing HRIA frameworks too complex and resource-intensive for smaller renewable projects
- Need for standardized approach across diverse technologies (wind, solar, charging stations)
- Requirement to address full project lifecycle from development to decommissioning
- Local teams lacked specialized human rights expertise in renewable energy contexts
- Urgent need to align with OECD guidelines, UNGPs, and multilateral safeguards
Ksapa’s Strategic Solution: A Lean, Scalable Human Rights Assessment Framework
Ksapa developed a comprehensive, user-friendly HRIA system specifically tailored for renewable energy operations:
PHASE 1: CRITICAL RISK MAPPING FOR HRIA
We conducted extensive analysis to identify critical human rights questions across renewable energy value chains, examining:
- Technology-specific risks (onshore/offshore wind vs. solar vs. charging infrastructure)
- Lifecycle stage vulnerabilities (feasibility, construction, operation, decommissioning)
- Geographic and social context factors (high/low-risk environments, urban/rural settings)
Our comprehensive Human Rights Impact Assessment approach addressed unique renewable energy challenges including community displacement, indigenous rights protection, labor standards across supply chains, and environmental justice concerns affecting local populations.
PHASE 2: HRIA ECISION TREE DEVELOPMENT
Created an innovative lean decision tree framework enabling rapid risk assessment by filtering relevant questions based on:
- Business profile: Technology type, project scale, operational model
- Lifecycle positioning: Development stage, supplier engagement, maintenance phase
- Location factors: Risk environment, community characteristics, regulatory context
PHASE 3: Human Rights Assessment Methodology Adaptation
Transformed complex HRIA processes into streamlined, accessible tools featuring:
- Visual project lifecycle mapping with integrated risk flags
- Simplified assessment protocols for non-HR specialists
- Automated scoring system ensuring accountability and compliance
- Clear escalation pathways for high-risk scenarios
The adapted methodology specifically addresses renewable energy sector challenges including rapid deployment timelines, distributed asset management, diverse stakeholder ecosystems, and varying regulatory environments across global markets.
PHASE 4: Real-World Testing & Human Rights Framework Refinement
Piloted the framework with actual renewable projects to develop HRIA 2.0, incorporating:
- Field-tested user interface improvements
- Enhanced training materials and user manuals
- Expanded coverage across the client’s renewable portfolio
- Continuous feedback integration from local implementation teams
measurable impacts & hria results
Ksapa delivered a comprehensive Human Rights Impact Assessment renewable energy solution providing:
- Visual Project Lifecycle Management: Interactive mapping of human rights risks across project phases, with clear identification of duty bearers and rights holders at each stage
- Accessible Expertise: Simplified HRIA process enabling teams with limited human rights background to conduct thorough due diligence in renewable energy contexts
- Accountability Framework: Robust scoring system ensuring consistent stakeholder engagement and systematic risk mitigation across global operations
- Scalable Implementation: Field-tested HRIA 2.0 framework initially deployed for solar projects, successfully expanded across wind and charging infrastructure portfolios
Compliance & Standards Alignment: All tools align with OECD Due Diligence Guidelines, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, IFC Performance Standards, and ADB ESG Safeguards, including comprehensive remedy mechanisms and governance protocols.
TAKE ACTION NOW
ready to Scale Sustainable Energy with Confidence?
Transform your renewable energy due diligence today:
- Streamline HRIA compliance across diverse renewable technologies
- Empower local teams with user-friendly assessment tools
- Reduce project delays through proactive risk management
- Strengthen stakeholder relationships with transparent engagement
- Meet international standards with confidence
Email: contact@ksapa.org
Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific Human Rights Impact Assessment renewable energy needs and discover how our tailored framework can accelerate your sustainable energy transition while protecting human rights.
Key Frameworks to Learn more: OECD Due Diligence Guidelines | UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
