The 2024 Sustainability Report of Canadian Solar Inc. has released. The company’s performance and sustainability plan are highlighted in this report, along with the steps taken to meet its sustainability objectives.
With reference to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) established by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the sustainability disclosures in this report are in line with global standards established by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
Highlights of the report include the following:
- Notable progress in reducing the Company’s environmental footprint: In 2024, Canadian Solar lowered GHG emissions, energy, water, and waste intensities by 54%, 37%, 75%, and 53%, respectively, compared to 2017 levels. These achievements were driven by the enhanced production efficiency, implementation of robust energy and water conservation programs, as well as the increases in the power output of its solar modules. The Company also continues to align its operations with circular economy principles, increasing total recycled and reused waste to 94% in 2024 from 88% in 2023, while maintaining 100% recycling or reuse of packaging materials used during its production processes.
- Ethical business conduct across the Company’s own operations and supply chain: To ensure alignment with global standards on labor practices, environmental, health and safety, and business ethics, Canadian Solar engages with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) to conduct Validated Assessment Program (VAP) audits at its facilities. Building on the success of the 2023 audit of Canadian Solar’s Thailand module facility, where it achieved a Silver-level recognition, the Company earned another Silver-level recognition under the RBA VAP in 2025 for its solar cell factory in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, China. Beyond its own facilities, two of Canadian Solar’s polysilicon suppliers in Qinghai Province, China, initiated RBA VAP audits at the Company’s request.
- Enhanced transparency and depth of disclosures: Canadian Solar has further enhanced the transparency and comprehensiveness of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting by disclosing all relevant scope 3 categories in alignment with the GHG Protocol. The Company has set the environmental targets for its battery energy storage business for the first time. To align the Company’s sustainability strategy with stakeholder expectations, Canadian Solar’s subsidiaries CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy have each conducted an in-depth Double Materiality Analysis.
- Further strengthened external recognitions: Canadian Solar has achieved elevated ratings from international third-party agencies. In 2025, the Company’s ISS ESG rating increased to B+, up from B in 2024. Additionally, its CDP climate change score advanced to B for the 2024 questionnaire, compared to C in 2023. Canadian Solar maintained its Silver rating with EcoVadis, while further enhancing its score to industry top 4% in 2025, up from top 5% in 2024.
Ms. Hanbing Zhang, Chief Sustainability Officer of Canadian Solar, commented, “We are delighted to announce the release of our 2024 Sustainability Report, which underscores our commitment to embedding sustainability across our operations and value chain. This year’s achievements, from reducing our environmental footprint to fostering a creative, engaged workforce and maintaining a responsible supply chain, demonstrate how sustainability is driving meaningful value for our business. As we look ahead, we remain unwavering in our pursuit of transparency, while working closely with our stakeholders for continuous improvement.”
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, attached, “At Canadian Solar, we recognize that sustainable business practices are not merely a responsibility, but a strategic imperative for enduring success. I am proud of our team’s achievements as we advance toward our sustainability goals. Our mission is to power the world with solar energy and create a better and cleaner Earth for future generations. To realize this, we will continue to drive meaningful progress by embedding technological innovation, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance across our businesses and value chain.”
