SunCommon named ‘Best for the World’ 2022

Solar leader ranks among top 5% of B Corps of its size globally for environmental impact 

Vermont Business Magazine For the seventh time in the last decade, SunCommon, an iSun company, was named “Best for the World—Environment” by B Lab, a nonprofit that certifies B Corporations for meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. 

The award is based on SunCommon’s positive impact on the environment through both the product they sell, solar panels, as well as their innovative business practices which seek to reduce their own impact. For example, SunCommon is in the process of changing over their vehicle fleet to all electric and will power them with solar energy. And both SunCommon’s buildings at the time of assessment were net zero facilities powered by solar, reducing their scope 1 and 2 emissions to nearly zero. 

Since the assessment, SunCommon’s New York warehouse has moved to a new facility in Kingston, NY, that is currently running on fossil fuel powered heating and cooling systems. With more electric vehicles charging, their needs for additional power have also grown. Recognizing the tremendous responsibility and influence businesses have to make an impact on the climate crisis, SunCommon looks forward to tackling the challenge of becoming net zero once again.

“It’s critical for the habitability of our planet that more business leaders take on the challenge of reducing their carbon impact. We’re proud to help other businesses by sharing information about our own journey, influencing our supply chain, and installing solar for our local businesses.” says president, James Moore. 

“SunCommon was founded to deliver a top quality standard of work while also prioritizing good business practices that treat people and the planet fairly,” said JoAnn Swapp, vice president of operations at SunCommon. “We’re committed to using every business decision as an opportunity to further our values and acknowledge our obligation to minimize the harms we create while maximizing the good we can do.“

Since its founding in 2012, SunCommon has accomplished the following:

• 69,202 metric tons of CO2 offset by solar

• 100+ megawatts of clean solar energy added to the local grid

• 9,544 family homes solarized

• 321 businesses running on local clean energy

• 200+ clean energy workers employed in Vermont and New York

B Lab Award & Recertification 

B Lab evaluated SunCommon in four categories – governance, workers, community, and environment. A company with a minimum score of 80 is certified as a B corporation. SunCommon’s score was 104. See SunCommon’s score breakdown. 

Notably, SunCommon earned high scores in the worker category due to such commitments as its Net Zero building in Waterbury, Vermont, and electric transportation options for employees. The company also saw an increase in points awarded in the customer category, due to its work to install community solar arrays in New York State, such as the Pointe of Praise solar array, which provides affordable electricity to low and moderate income community members. 

“We continually assess how we can break down social and economic barriers to solar,” Swapp said. “Our ‘Customer Business Impact Model’ challenges us to engage in innovative program development to move the needle on accessibility and affordability.” 

B Lab requires that a business complete their B Impact Assessment every three years. SunCommon has established clear goals to continue to improve its impact before completing the assessment again in 2024.

View SunCommon’s 2021 Benefit Report.

ABOUT SUNCOMMON

SunCommon, an iSun company, is a certified B Corp that believes everyone has the right to a healthy environment and brighter future — and renewable energy is where it starts. We are on a mission to make clean, renewable energy simple and affordable. We offer options through home solar, community solar, commercial solar, and battery storage. It’s easy to take the first step towards a brighter future with SunCommon. Visit www.suncommon.com and follow the company on Instagram (@suncommon) and Facebook (@suncommon).

7.19.2022. ​Waterbury, Vt. – SunCommon