Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. With a strong commitment to decarbonization and energy transition, the company collaborates with energy providers, corporate clients, local communities, and governments to meet the growing demand for affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
The Challenge
Before collaborating with Achilles, Lightsource bp did not have sufficient visibility into ESG risks in its supply chain and was unaware of the maturity level of its suppliers. “We didn’t have enough visibility into ESG-related risks in our supply chain,” explains Mar Bernal, Global Sustainable Supply Chain Manager at Lightsource bp. It was therefore necessary to obtain accurate data and help suppliers develop to implement an effective and measurable due diligence process. The main concern was to ensure that their operations not only complied with regulatory standards, but also promoted ethical and responsible business practices.
ESG Improvement Strategy
In its quest to assess and improve the sustainability and responsibility of its supply chain, Lightsource bp has implemented a due diligence process aligned with the OECD’s six-step model, in close collaboration with Achilles. This collaboration includes a remote ESG pre-assessment of suppliers conducted via a questionnaire, although it is not limited to these findings alone. The process goes further and includes on-site audits of strategic suppliers to verify their degree of maturity in the implementation of ESG policies and processes and to establish their improvement plans when necessary. Achilles has succeeded in meeting the demanding needs of Lightsource bp, which led Mar to comment: “I think one of the strengths is that, in addition to the human quality within your organization, your process is comprehensive, covering from planning to closure and monitoring of non-conformities.”
Implementation Results
After a period of implementing the due diligence process, the significant impact of on-site ESG audits on the performance of Lightsource bp’s supply chain is already evident. Over the past year, the most relevant results include:
- Improvement in the ESG score of suppliers, from 58% to 83%.
- Increase in suppliers with active due diligence processes in their supply chains, from 20% to 84%.
- Increase in suppliers with carbon footprint reduction plans, from 72% to 84%.
What Now?
Lightsource bp has set clear and ambitious goals. The company seeks to better understand risks beyond Tier 1, identify the suppliers it wants to work with, and ensure that 100% of its critical suppliers are audited. Additionally, as Mar points out: “We want, in the short term, all audited Tier 1 suppliers to have their non-conformities closed within the year of their audit.”
Regarding compliance with new legislation, Mar comments: “The CSDDD will be developed in 2027, but the reality is that our investors and customers are already asking us for similar, if not more demanding, requirements. Regardless of legislation, we want to do it as good practice. We have worked from the beginning with Achilles to develop the cycle from risk identification to the continuous improvement process, monitoring the closure of actions and their effectiveness.”
The collaboration between Lightsource bp and Achilles has been an important pillar for improving supply chain visibility in a model based on responsibility and sustainability. “In my opinion, success lies in the fact that it is a collaborative initiative based on the approach of Achilles auditors. A continuous improvement approach and not a policing approach. Suppliers feel it and appreciate it,” concludes Mar. At Achilles, we are proud to support Lightsource bp, a company that fosters a culture of growth and progress among its suppliers, while moving towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
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