AVANGRID, Inc., a leading sustainable energy company, and part of The IBERDROLA Group, today announced it has signed on to the United Nations Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles, affirming its commitment to advancing sustainable and responsible ocean energy projects that accelerate the transformation to a cleaner and more resilient energy system. The framework, which was also signed by IBERDROLA and over 150 international businesses across various industry sectors, outlines responsible business practices for ocean activities and processes, including the development of offshore wind power.

“As we pioneer the offshore wind industry in the United States, AVANGRID is proud to join IBERDROLA and stand with the international community to reinforce our ongoing commitment to protect and preserve our ocean resources,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of AVANGRID. “Through every stage of the development process, we have worked diligently to ensure that these historic offshore wind projects are built in an environmentally responsible manner that safeguards critical ecosystems and marine life, and in committing to this framework our company renews our promise to uphold these fundamental values.”

In signing the Sustainable Ocean Principles, AVANGRID commits to ensuring that material ocean-related risks and opportunities are integrated into its corporate strategy, risk management and reporting, and to taking action to promote the well-being of the ocean for current and future generations. The nine principles outline specific actions to safeguard Ocean Health and Productivity, ensure responsible Governance and Engagement, and promote Data Sharing and Transparency.

In January 2022, AVANGRID announced the completion of the restructuring of its existing Vineyard Wind joint venture to become the largest offshore wind supplier in New England. In total, AVANGRID has a projected offshore wind pipeline of 5 Gigawatts (GW) on the East Coast of the United States – enough to power more than two million households. In addition to its 50% stake in the first-in-the-nation Vineyard Wind 1 project (800 MW total), AVANGRID owns 100% of Commonwealth Wind (1200 MW to Massachusetts), Park City Wind (804 MW to Connecticut) and Kitty Hawk Wind (2500 MW off the coast of North Carolina).

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The United Nations Global Compact has identified the development of clean renewable offshore energy such as offshore wind as a foundation of the societal transition toward a lower carbon future and a reduction in ocean and atmospheric pollution.

Building on its commitment to the Sustainable Ocean Principles, AVANGRID is attending the 2022 U.N. Ocean Conference, which seeks to propel much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action. Jay Borkland, AVANGRID’s Director of U.S. Ports & Supply Chain and an internationally-recognized expert on offshore wind port development, is participating in several panel discussions focused on infrastructure, decarbonization, and ocean-based climate solutions.

In November 2021, AVANGRID committed to United Nations (UN) Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. In making this commitment, AVANGRID joined thousands of other companies from around the world in demonstrating its support for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices focused on a clean and just energy transition.

Source: AVANGRID, Inc.