Our key takeaway: How are people and communities relevant in renewable energy infrastructure projects? They are critical to these investments says the World Economic Forum (WEF). Companies must integrate community engagement throughout the full lifecycle of projects - its design, development, operation and closure. This is critical to ensure a fast and just transition, which provides shared value to people, planet, and businesses. What can companies do to ensure that they conduct meaningful community engagement? The white paper provides three key building blocks: (1) Understand and respect the local context - including by listening to diverse perspectives from impacted groups and their representatives; (2) Engage early, continuously, meaningfully and transparently” throughout the full lifecycle of the project; and (3) Define a clear plan focused on delivering shared value for both the people and communities impacted by the clean energy project, and the businesses implementing these projects. Working with other stakeholders, such as community and philanthropic groups, policy-makers, and civil society groups, is also key to this engagement.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) published a white paper ‘Using a People-positive Approach to Accelerate the Scale-up of Clean Power: A C-Suite Guide for Community Engagement’ (December 2023):