– Seven of Aquila Clean Energy’s projects now have UNEF’s Seal of Excellence in Sustainability in recognition of the environmental and social measures they have implemented in rural Spain

– Actions include environmental and social integration measures to protect the biodiversity of the environment and generate a positive impact on the region

Madrid, 08 February 2024 Aquila Clean Energy has become the company in Spain with the most sustainability awards in the photovoltaic sector. It has obtained certification for Excellence in Sustainability from the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF) for seven of its photovoltaic energy projects. These certifications recognise solar plants for the environmental and social measures they implement in the territories where they are being developed.

Juan Ignacio Pulgar, Head of Development at Aquila Clean Energy in Spain, says: “We are very pleased that our efforts and work have been rated as excellent by such an important sector association. For us, it is not only the development of the projects themselves, but also how we develop them that makes the difference. We will continue to work along the lines we have already focused on, striving to contribute to the energy transition with the utmost respect for the environment and hand in hand with local communities”.

In order to obtain the UNEF Seal of Excellence, facilities must meet very specific requirements that are thoroughly analysed to ensure compliance. These requirements, among others, relate to local job creation, economic traction and agreements with local authorities, as well as the environmental integration of facilities or the recycling of materials used in construction, operation and at the end of a plant’s useful life.

These projects, located in Toledo, Palencia Soria and León, have been recognised for their integration into the landscape and for protecting biodiversity. The Seal also recognises the links that have been established with local communities to generate a positive impact.

Aquila Clean Energy’s programme of social action focuses on the generation of collaboration agreements with the town councils of the municipalities in which it is present, the development of measures to train local populations in the assembly and maintenance of photovoltaic modules, environmental education days with local schools, the improvement of public facilities and the promotion of local employment. The company promotes these measures in response to the needs of each of the municipalities in which it develops its projects, through on an ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders.

Environmental measures carried out so far include initiatives to improve and conserve the habitat of steppe birds, the creation of ecological corridors, the implementation of vegetation screens to minimise visual impact and increase biodiversity in the environment, and the construction of facilities to promote populations of native fauna species.