The challenge

Developing a tool to assess developers and renewable development projects for sustainability risk exposures

Rennie was engaged to support Stanwell with designing sustainability related assessment criteria at several stages of its project development approvals process including new Partner due diligence and Gate 1 assessment for project developments. This included alignment to external sustainability and government related compliance requirements, as well as its own Sustainability Strategy Commitments.

Our solution

Understanding the context for assessment

Rennie undertook an external/internal assessment to map out the key topic areas and identify the relevant criteria to assess. Rennie designed and piloted an assessment tool in-situ that assessed both a new prospect developer/partner and a renewable energy project to finalise and implement a fit for purpose due diligence tool for future use by the sustainability team.

Our impact

Alignment with strategic and regulatory frameworks

The tool ensured consistent application of sustainability criteria that are directly aligned with:

• Stanwell’s Sustainability Commitments
• Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan
• Best Practice Industry Conditions
• Leading Practice Principles for First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects

This alignment strengthens Stanwell’s ability to meet both internal goals and external regulatory expectations, enhancing credibility and accountability.

Operational integration and efficiency

By embedding guidance and tools for the sustainability team, the tool enables:

• Ongoing, repeatable assessments without needing to reinvent processes.
• Empowerment of the sustainability team to conduct evaluations, improving agility and responsiveness.

Improved decision-making and transparency

The standardised criteria and embedded guidance likely contribute to:

• More informed and transparent decision-making
• Clear documentation and traceability of sustainability considerations across projects

Key insights

• Aligning assessment tools with both internal frameworks and external policies ensures strategic coherence, regulatory compliance, and credibility in sustainability practices.
• Piloting assessment tools is key to ensuring they are fit for purpose.