Sunrock is always inventing new ways, changing the game and challenging the industry. At the same time, we stay true to what we believe in (accelerate the world's' transition to clean energy) and to who we are. All specialists in our own fields and personalities in our own right. Connected by four values: we do good, we're entrepreneurial, we love winning and enjoy the ride. These values define our way of working and collaborating.
Our company culture is based on teamwork, empowerment, inclusion and fun. Accessible leadership enables people to act fast, autonomous and with creativity. Sunrockers are united in their mission and the tangible impact each and everyone of us makes. They name our company culture as the number one reason to prologue their contract.
We believe
we are all part of
a clean energy future
We do good
We are entrepreneurial
We love winning
We enjoy the ride
Our values
How we work
Doing good: helping others
Looking at the reasons why Sunrockers stay, we can safely state that Sunrock has a very strong culture. A culture based on teamwork, empowerment, inclusion and fun. Sunrockers describe their culture as a culture of winning. A place where smart and driven people work together. Where leadership is accessible, enabling people to act fast, autonomously and with creativity. And last, but not least: the employees of Sunrock are united in their mission, producing almost instantly tangible impact.
“I volunteer at the Animal Rescue because I love animals and believe in good (medical) care for animals in need, as well as for people” Alexander
“In 2022 I participated in the Dam-to-Dam run (10 English miles from Amsterdam to Zaandam). I enjoy the personal challenge of long-distance running combined with running for charity, in this case KiKa. Stichting Kinderkankervrij raises funds to further cancer research for children. I wanted to connect my race to the finish line to helping children with cancer stay healthy! A lot of my colleagues at Sunrock supported the effort - thanks for doing good!" Kahya
Cycling to raise awareness of the dangers of climate change
42
Charities world wide benefitted from Sunrock/COFRA donation
€15,280
Money raised by Sunrockers for charity, including matching by COFRA Foundation
126
Registered hours of volunteering for a good cause by Sunrockers
Our employees are the driving force behind the success of Sunrock. We pride ourselves on our committed people who will go the extra mile to realise our vision. Their happiness and wellbeing is one of our main priorities.
Achievements in 2022
In 2022 our first company wide employee engagement survey asked about work environment, motivation, needs and culture. Points of improvements were identified and actions were taken to follow up on these. It has already resulted in significant improvements in benefits, such as a pension plan.
Participation rate
96%
Engagement rate
79%
Culture
91%
Everybody working for Sunrock contributes to our values and culture. It is important that people feel they are part of that. In 2022, Sunrock signed the Dutch Diversity Charter and set goals to offer a more inclusive and diverse workplace based on the input from the team. Our ambitions, for 2028, stretch across the following topics:
Awareness in 2022
In a high paced working environment it is often difficult to take a step back and reflect on how the working environment impacts your wellbeing and health. In 2022, we kicked off various activities and events to address topics that can affect this. Besides various surveys, we organized Bingo! to pull focus towards Diversity & Inclusion, created a video campaign on International Women's day and scheduled various company wide check ins on related topics.
Outlook 2023
We’re proud to have a dedicated team working hard to improve employee wellbeing and making a positive impact in the community.
The three main topics that the working group will focus on in 2023 are:
Plan of approach to reach our diversity & inclusion goals
Introducing a company wide volunteering initiative
People wellbeing. The introduction of tools to help people increase their physical and mental wellbeing & initiatives to raise awareness
Health
Both our workforce and portfolio have grown substantially in 2022. In this fast paced environment, we need to ensure that our people stay safe and healthy.
In 2022, the first employee engagement survey was carried out. It served to check in with the employees on their overall wellbeing.
High energy
At least 75% of the Sunrockers indicated that they feel productive at work and have the energy to overcome challenges. They are able to maintain a good balance between work and their personal life. This is reflected by low absent rates in 2022, which are 1.5% less than de national average of 5%.
Stress
Two third of employees (64%) believes their workload is reasonable for their role. However, only 37% of the workforce rarely feel overstressed in their respective functions. The majority therefore feels overstressed at any point in time. To address the issue of work-related stress, the Sunrock HR manager hosted sessions with the individuals teams to discuss how it manifests and what support and resources are needed to alleviate it.
Safety
When it comes to our desk-bound activities, we are mostly out of the line of fire in terms of physical work-related dangers. Our highest safety risks are directly related to our PV projects on land, water & rooftops. To understand the dangers associated with walking through or operating within solar parks, employees and visitors receive the necessary instructions prior to their project visit.
Incidents 2022
To help our organization learn how to assess situations and proactively create a safer working environment we register any incidents and investigate what caused them. We use those findings to ensure we improve and avoid similar incidents in the future. In 2022, 38 incidents were registered via our monitoring system.
Zero injuries
Most incidents involved damage to materials
Reason for most incidents were incorrect/ignored working procedures
Sunrock installed a new task force structure for the investigation of major incidents
We adopted a new incident procedure to improve incident registration and follow up
Electrical safety policy was adopted
2023 HSE plans
As a (future) market leader in Europe we aim te lead by example and make sure we provide a safe working environment for our team and stakeholders.
Actions for 2023:
All incidents are reported and followed up in good time.
Actively acquire the facts and findings from incidents and update processes/ requirements when necessary.
Increase awareness of the importance of safety and safe behavior.
Make sure contractors prioritize safety as well.
Develop a safety e-learning module to increase knowledge and raise awareness.
Employee-driven approach to ESG
Words from our QHSE manager
“Sunrock has been very progressive in taking steps towards a wholesome ESG strategy. It makes me very proud to know that the ESG teams are actively contributing to this.
Our colleagues volunteer their time to think and act on ESG topics even though it sometimes leads to scheduling conflicts and a higher workload. Still, they make it work and go the extra mile. They each have their own views on how to improve where it matters.
It is great to see the people come together, convert those ideas into actions and see it being implemented into the company strategy. How cool is it to be able to drive change like that?”
Jessica Jonker
QHSE manager and chairperson ESG working groups on People Welfare & Biodiversity
A word from our confidential counselors
As of 2022, Sunrock has two dedicated confidential counselors. They advise and guide Sunrockers who experience undesirable behavior, including conflict regarding their work performance, discrimination, (sexual) harassment or bullying. We asked them about their view and vision of this important role.
How do you see your role as confidential counselor within Sunrock?
“Our role is to listen to the concerns of Sunrockers and provide initial guidance when an incident occurs that requires counseling. Together with the employee, we aim to find a solution in an informal setting and identify other options for resolving the matter. If informal bilateral discussions don't lead to the desired result, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution are considered. Our approach is to assist in a professional and consensual way. We are fair to the facts of the case and to meet the needs and interests of all parties involved.”
When do you consider the role of a confidential counselor effective? When are you "satisfied?"
“At Sunrock, we are given opportunities and can be our true selves. Our desire is for everyone to experience this. When that's not possible because of undesirable behavior, we help by listening and giving advice. Our job is done when people are satisfied with our help and colleagues don't feel any inhibition in turning to us for support at any time.”
What have you done in 2022 to raise awareness within Sunrock about this role?
“Every six months, we present who we are, what we do and how we work to all Sunrockers and give examples of the types of cases they can come to us with. The orientation process for new colleagues also includes an introduction to the counselors. Since we’re growing fast as a company, it is important that information about our role and the existence of confidential counselors is accessible to both existing and new Sunrock members. The Sunrock online wiki page also provides information about the counselors and how to reach us.”
Integrity and Compliance
To maintain our culture of transparency, integrity and ethical behavior, Sunrock has established various policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as internal guidelines and best practices.
Compliance is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and improvement. To ensure that we remain relevant and effective in addressing current and emerging risks, Sunrock is continuously reviewing and updating its compliance measures. Sunrock encourages employees to report any potential violations of laws, regulations, or company policies. The company has a zero-tolerance policy towards retaliation against anyone who reports such violations in good faith. Reports can be made through the grievance procedure or by contacting designated compliance officers.
Beyond its own operations, Sunrock expects its suppliers, contractors, and other business partners to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as Sunrock's ethical standards. We conduct due diligence on potential business partners to ensure they meet our standards.
Compliance is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a strategic imperative. By maintaining high standards of compliance, Sunrock is able to build and maintain trust with all stakeholders.
There is a clear overview of tasks and responsibilities for signaling laws and regulations, analyzing applicability, impact, and the required measures, taking ownership for implementing new laws and regulations, and monitoring compliance. Sunrock complies with internal guidelines and procedures to ensure that COFRA is involved in decisions of material importance.
Sunrock provides employees with resources, including training, an information library, and relevant updates on the intranet. The Employee Code of Conduct contains expectations and guidance on professional integrity and business ethics. In situations of external contracting, the four eyes principle is applied. Sunrock’s privacy policy serves as a guideline. The policy is dynamic and may be supplemented or revised from time to time due to changes in the organization, business processes, information systems, or the law. Preparing for upcoming legislation regarding whistleblower protection, Sunrock set up a grievance procedure to raise complaints about legal violations, contractual breaches, and other misconduct. It allows anonymous submission of claims to designated handlers (the ESG Manager and General Counsel). They are responsible for conducting investigations and, together with the individual involved, determining the appropriate course of follow-up action.
Sunrock's grievance procedure was drafted by the ESG working group on People Welfare with the contribution of the Works Council. The procedure was adopted in 2022 and will be implemented in the first quarter of 2023.
Works council
Involved in critical management decisions
One of the key indicators of responsible business conduct is the extent to which a company empowers its workers to come together and determine what they consider adequate conditions of their employment. It is also important for the employer to actively solicit and incorporate the input of workers into decisions that affect working conditions or job security.
Before Sunrock reached the legal threshold to formally install a workers' representative body, employees were already actively involved in management decisions. When we reached the legal threshold for the establishment of a works council, the management board actively promoted the election process and encouraged all Sunrockers to apply as candidates and/or vote.
On 21 and 22 November 2022, elections were held for Sunrock's first Works Council. The process was led by the ESG working group on Good Governance. Five Sunrockers with diverse backgrounds and from different departments were elected.
The Works Council discusses Sunrock's policies and the interests of the employees and provides input to Sunrock's board on critical corporate decisions. The Council meets biweekly and every six weeks with at least one board member. The Council aims to implement a healthy and efficient way of working by the beginning of 2023 and establish a collaborative work environment with Sunrock's board. An important aspect of the Council's operations is to consult stakeholders for their input on critical issues and actively reach out to Sunrockers to share suggestions for effective cooperation between the Council and the board.
Employee-driven approach to ESG
Supporting good corporate governance from the core
“As Sunrock continues to expand its business and increase its market share, it is crucial that the company has the appropriate management systems and processes in place to ensure that it achieves its purpose of realizing a clean energy future. In order for this to be effective, impact-oriented and inclusive, it is imperative that the company's processes are deeply rooted in sound ESG principles. The ESG working group on Good Governance has been engaged in various activities throughout 2022 to support this objective.
One of the key activities undertaken by the ESG working group was the organization of elections for Sunrock's first Works Council. This important initiative aims to ensure that the voices of all employees are heard and that they have a say in the company's decision-making processes. In addition, the ESG working group also completed the external assessment for Sunrock to go through the B Corp certification process. This certification will further reinforce Sunrock's commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance.
Another activity undertaken by the ESG working group was the collection of data for this 2022 ESG Report. This report is an important tool that will help Sunrock monitor and measure its progress towards its ESG goals. The engagement between Sunrock’s leadership and all the ESG working groups has been constructive and effective, which is a sign of healthy internal stakeholder engagement. Overall, the ESG working group's activities have been instrumental in embedding sound ESG principles into Sunrock's management systems and processes, which will help the company achieve its purpose of realizing a clean energy future”
Elsa Sorgedrager
Project Developer Germany and chairperson Sunrock ESG working group on Good Governance
Put in practice
All Sunrockers undergo mandatory cybersecurity training. This training increases awareness levels and provides practical skills to stay cyber safe. By creating a culture of security awareness, we can minimize the risk of security incidents. We have implemented robust information security measures and continuously enhance them to protect against breaches and losses. Employees are trained to handle sensitive information carefully, and strict access controls make sure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
The industry
We participate in the creation of strong information security standards for the industry through our seat in the Dutch solar industry association, Holland Solar. This collaboration enables us to stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and contribute to the development of the industry's security standards.
Independent audit
Sunrock undergoes an annual information security audit to assess IT security risks and compliance. This audit is conducted by an independent third-party auditor and helps identify areas for improvement.
Board
Sunrock established a cybersecurity board, consisting of all department heads and several executives. It is responsible for reviewing security policies, procedures, and practices and making recommendations for improvements. The board meets at least quarterly.
Cloud
Our cloud content management system enables teams to securely share files and collaborate. This monitored space includes robust security features, such as threat detection, file classification, and continuous logging and monitoring. Our data is protected against unauthorized access and other security threats.
Sunrock values the privacy of its employees, clients, and partners and handles their data with the utmost care. In 2022, Sunrock implemented various security measures. Our risk-based approach to identify, evaluate, and prioritize threats, enables us to counter changes in the evolving landscape effectively. We continuously assess the risks and enhance our measures to better protect our business.
Full-service support
Sunrock helps organizations improve every aspect of their energy strategy in a sustainable and reliable manner. From analysis and funding to development, management, and optimization, we use our knowledge and experience to provide full-service support to our customers. Our innovative approach to full service is what makes our projects truly successful.
Quality management
In order to achieve our mission, Sunrock has implemented a quality management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001, ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations, meeting customer expectations, and continuously improving our internal organization. We also have an environmental management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 14001, as this is an integral part of our mission and vision.
Optimization
Optimizing our processes requires strong cooperation between our employees, who continuously develop themselves through new insights gained from projects and shared knowledge and experience. A combination of risk assessments, internal project evaluations, customer satisfaction reviews and internal audits ensures continuous improvements within our processes.
Quality management and optimization
Esther Pool
Chief Financial Officer
Johannes Duijzer
Chief Executive Officer
Elisabeth Stevens
Chief Operations Officer
Maurits van Oranje
Chief Commercial Officer
Sunrock is organized as an international, European organization united by its common purpose, mission and values. Sunrock is governed by its Board of Directors, including the CEO, and an executive team, the Senior Leadership, which includes the heads of our country teams (Managing Directors). At the Board level, strategic direction is set and policies are, among other things, determined to fulfill our ESG strategy. The Board is accountable to the Shareholders' Meeting.
Sunrock Investments is a wholly owned subsidiary of COFRA Holding. COFRA Holding AG is a privately held group of companies active in various business sectors, including asset management (Anthos Fund & Asset Management), private equity investment management (Bregal), apparel retail (C&A), real estate investments (Redevco), renewable energy (Sunrock itself) and sustainable food (Dalsem, Ontario Plants Propagation). Each business operates independently in a spirit of engaged entrepreneurship while striving to be a “force for good” in the world – a guiding principle that has characterised the Brenninkmeijer family owners’ activities for six generations, since the founding ofC&A in 1841.
Effective leadership is essential for businesses to innovate, mitigate risks and create lasting impact. Good governance ensures transparency, accountability, fairness, and ethical behavior in all aspects of the business. When leaders prioritize these values, they can build trust with stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and regulators. Sunrock’s approach to people and business management encourages teamwork and accessible communication that enables quick decision-making and quick and effective collaboration to address risk factors, including ESG risks and market risks.
External market developments
Our business is impacted by fluctuating electricity prices, supply chains risks, labor shortage, climate change, legal and financial risks. Such external factors can result in acceleration, delay or even cancellation of projects. For example: exponential growth in the demand for inverters creates a shortage in the supply chain, resulting in lead times of more than 6 months. For transformers, the dependency on countries supplying steel can result in a higher shortage, further exacerbated by the high international demand created by the energy transition. The supply chain for modules mainly ends up in China, with an approximately 95% market share. Geopolitical issues with China directly affects the supply of components. Shortages in supply and inflation in labor costs can result in increased EPC prices, thereby increasing the costs of investment. External factors such as Covid-19 resulted in reduced availability of product offerings. Other external market developments that influence the company performance are interests rates, public subsidy levels, local grid congestion and volatile currency exchange rates.
Managing risks
Climate change is an increasingly prominent issue that has the potential to pose significant risks to businesses. On the one hand, legal and policy developments to expedite the global energy transition have boosted the business case for the solar sector. On the other hand, as global temperatures rise, extreme weather events have effects on the operation and management of solar assets. Sunrock seeks to conduct a climate change materiality assessment in order to better understand the actual impact of climate change on our operations now and in the future. Overall, Sunrock closely follows market and social developments, adapting as needed to accommodate and mitigate such risks. Our strategies include ordering components at an early stage, gaining better market insights, direct contact with manufacturers and optimizing collaboration between the sales and operations departments. Working in different geographical zones across Europe also spreads the risks of declining electricity prices. Corporate power purchasing agreements could also make us less dependent on actual electricity prices.
Effective leadership to support our mission
Our ever-changing industry and growing workforce requires agile leadership to meet the demands. In 2022, Sunrock launched a six-month School of Leadership program for board members and senior executives. The program was designed to gain insights from managers on their respective professional needs, provide them with the tools to lead their teams to better results, and foster mutual trust for more effective collaboration as leaders. Through personal stories, role-playing, and classic lectures, participants in the School of Leadership were offered the tools and guidance to empower their team members, give and receive feedback on their leadership style, and build trust and a safe environment. Other program outcomes included the establishment of peer coaching groups among senior leaders. In addition, members of the Executive Board and senior management have access to personal coaching from external coaches as needed. The next step in this process is the development of a collective leadership vision for Sunrock, which will also be made available to Sunrockers. The kick-off for this intuitive process will be in 2023.
School of leadership 2022
It is safe to say that Sunrock has made significant strides in its ESG maturity over the past year. The necessary processes and systems have been implemented to allow us to continuously improve upon our ESG performance. We are committed to effectively engaging with our employees and other stakeholders to achieve a more significant, positive impact on people and the planet while communicating transparently about our operations and ESG efforts.
Building on the foundations laid in 2022, Sunrock has adopted ambitious ESG objectives for 2023. These objectives include: reducing our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10% compared to our 2019/2020 baseline, seeking gender balance in new hires, implementing ESG-related training programs across the company, and developing two solar projects using responsibly sourced components. Achieving these objectives requires active contributions from all Sunrock offices and departments.
By prioritizing ESG initiatives across the company, we meet the expectations of our stakeholders whilst contributing to a more sustainable future for our business and the communities we serve.
