interview

RatedPower: Bronze Solar Diversity Champion 2024

by Thérèse O Donoghue - 5 November 2024
SolarPower Europe's Solar Diversity Champion Award acknowledges and celebrates organisations that have demonstrated commitment and success in achieving gender balance, and creating diverse, inclusive work environments. Sonnedix was awarded the Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Award for its holistic approach to diversity and gender equality.

We sat down with Andrea Barber, CEO and Co-founder, and Sara Valdés Busto, Recruiter at RatedPower, to chat about what winning the award means to the company, what initiatives were pivotal in this success, the importance of celebrating diversity in the solar sector, and much more!

1. Congratulations on winning the Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Award 2024! What does this recognition mean for your organisation, and its commitment towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE &I)?

This recognition is particularly meaningful for us, as diversity is one of our core values. It not only connects us with other companies in the sector, allowing us to share experiences and gain a better understanding of market trends, but it also inspires us to continue our efforts in creating a healthy, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere for our colleagues, customers, and society.

 

Our participation reaffirms that our efforts matter, and we will continue to put all of our energy into empowering a more inclusive world.  It is rewarding to be positively recognised in an area as important to us as diversity.
 

2. Winning the Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Award is a remarkable achievement. Can you highlight the specific initiatives or practices that you believe were pivotal in earning this success?

We view diversity from a holistic perspective, incorporating both internal practices and external partnerships that reflect our values. Internally, this ranges from simple gestures, like sharing food and traditions from around the world in our office, to creating dedicated spaces where people can practice their beliefs. We provide resources for our colleagues to express themselves freely and ensure that both our leaders and employees receive regular training on inclusivity and equity. Above all, we lead by example, ensuring our workplace is supportive and welcoming, which not only benefits our current team but also attracts exceptional talent.

 

For the external aspect, we recognise our responsibility extends beyond our organisation. We partner with external non-governmental organisations to promote inclusivity, such as mentoring women in tech bootcamps, collaborating with foundations that support people with disabilities, and ensuring our procurement process includes organisations that share our beliefs related to inclusivity and diversity. 
 

3. How do you plan to build on this recognition to further enhance your diversity and inclusion efforts in the future?

We have established strong fundamentals, which serve as our foundation. With our continued growth, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity as part of our ethos. We aim to actively participate in events, forums, and other channels to educate ourselves on new initiatives, partner with those who need our help and provide quality training to our employees. We plan to explore new tools and ways of working, leveraging advancements in technology, including AI, to enhance the candidate's experience, assist our customers more efficiently, and ensure our colleagues feel supported.  

4. What other projects or initiatives is RatedPower a part of that ensure solar development in Europe is diversified and inclusive? How do these initiatives support your mission to accelerate the energy transition?

RatedPower is highly involved in sustainability. We make sure that the organisations we partner with are as committed as we are, to creating a greener future while promoting inclusive hiring or contributing with people at risk of exclusion.  

 

Some examples are Filantropico, our socially conscious and 100% sustainable coffee provider; and Crowdfarming, a platform that enables us to adopt fruit trees directly from farmers. Through this initiative, we not only source fresh, high-quality produce but also support farming families by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fair trade. These partnerships reflect our commitment to socially responsible sourcing and sustainability.
 

© RatedPower

5. Why is it important to celebrate diversity practices in the solar sector? 

Celebrating diversity practices in the solar sector is crucial because it drives innovation and growth. Only 17% of women held senior management positions in the solar sector, and just 33% were in STEM roles. These statistics are a notable example to highlight a significant opportunity for improvement. It is crucial to leverage the tools and resources available to increase these numbers. The initiatives we are investing in have a positive impact, fostering a more inclusive and innovative industry.

 

By fostering a diverse environment, we ensure that voices from different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures are heard, which leads to more creative problem-solving and broader market insights.

 

With solar energy being a key player in the energy transition, embracing diversity allows us to serve a wider range of communities, and strengthens our commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition.
 

6. How do awards like the Solar Diversity Champion Award help the solar sector, and how do they align with RatedPower’s holistic approach to diversity and gender equality?

Awards like the Solar Diversity Champion Award play a crucial role in the solar sector by highlighting and celebrating the importance of diversity and inclusion. For RatedPower, this recognition increases the awareness of our inclusiveness as an employer and company.


It serves as proof of our high standards and unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. It guarantees that our initiatives are effective, and connects us with like-minded individuals and organisations that share our values and culture regarding the importance of DE&I. 
 

7. In what ways do you think your success in promoting diversity and gender equality can influence other organisations, and the broader energy sector?

It helps others understand that diversity is not optional but essential. Our initiatives are conscious, real, and achievable. We measure impact and respond to the concerns and feedback we receive.

 

Engaging with our audience is key: understanding their needs, what we can control, and how to include everyone.

 

Active listening is a great starting point. We partner with both external and internal stakeholders to address people’s needs, identify our priorities, and put them into practice. Being open to feedback, challenging ourselves, and educating on DE&I through both internal and external resources are also crucial steps. 
 

Header image: © RatedPower