Solar Impulse Foundation: Pioneering a global shift to sustainable innovation

Solar Impulse Foundation: Pioneering a global shift to sustainable innovation | Photo: solarimpulse.com

The Solar Impulse Foundation, established in 2004 by Swiss explorer and psychiatrist Bertrand Piccard, stands at the forefront of a global movement to integrate environmental sustainability with economic prosperity.

Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the organisation gained worldwide acclaim following the 2016 circumnavigation of the globe by the solar-powered Solar Impulse 2 aircraft, piloted by Piccard and engineer André Borschberg. This historic 43,000-kilometre journey, completed without a single drop of fossil fuel, showcased the transformative potential of renewable energy and set the stage for the Foundation’s ambitious mission.

By aligning its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Foundation seeks to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.

At the heart of the Foundation’s work is its Solutions Explorer, a comprehensive database of over 1000 clean technology solutions, each rigorously evaluated by a network of more than 400 independent experts. These solutions, spanning sectors such as energy, waste management, and industrial processes, are assessed for technical feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic viability. By 2020, nearly 500 solutions had earned the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label, a prestigious certification that signals their readiness for large-scale adoption by governments, businesses, and municipalities. These labelled solutions contribute directly to the SDGs by promoting resource-efficient technologies, reducing carbon emissions, and enabling sustainable urban development. For instance, solutions focused on energy efficiency support SDG 7 by making clean energy more accessible, while those addressing waste reduction align with SDG 12 by encouraging responsible consumption patterns.

The Foundation’s World Alliance for Efficient Solutions is a cornerstone of its strategy to scale impact. This global network unites 5122 members, including innovators, investors, adopters, and policymakers, to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies. By fostering collaboration among these stakeholders, the Alliance ensures that innovative solutions reach decision-makers and are integrated into public and private sector strategies.

The Foundation also engages in policy advocacy through initiatives like Prêt à Voter Switzerland, a campaign launched in collaboration with nine Swiss organisations to propose over 25 legislative recommendations. These recommendations aim to modernise Switzerland’s legal and regulatory framework to facilitate the adoption of clean technologies, aligning with SDG 16 by strengthening institutional support for sustainability. The campaign includes plans to publish a series of articles by summer 2025, offering practical guidance on working with innovative companies, mobilising key actors, and navigating political systems to advance the ecological transition.

Strategic partnerships with global entities such as ENGIE, Holcim, Syensqo, the World Economic Forum, and the European Investment Bank amplify the Foundation’s impact.

These collaborations have supported initiatives like the EU Manifesto: Modernise to Thrive, which calls for a European strategy focused on energy and resource sufficiency. By advocating for policies that prioritise efficiency and sustainability, the Foundation contributes to SDG 17, fostering global partnerships to achieve shared goals. Additionally, the Foundation’s services are offered free of charge to World Alliance members, made possible through funding from its partners, ensuring broad accessibility to its resources and expertise.

The Foundation’s real-world impact is demonstrated through several standout success stories. Eco Wave Power, a labelled solution, has implemented wave energy technology in Gibraltar, converting ocean waves into clean electricity that feeds into the local grid. This project supports SDG 7 by providing affordable renewable energy and has reduced carbon emissions, contributing to SDG 13. In Finland, Sulapac has developed biodegradable packaging materials as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, adopted by high-profile brands like Chanel. By reducing plastic waste, Sulapac’s innovation advances SDG 12 and promotes circular economy principles. Similarly, Bladeless, a Spanish company, has pioneered vortex-based wind turbines that generate renewable energy with minimal environmental disruption. These turbines, which require less land and produce less noise than traditional models, align with SDG 9 by advancing innovative infrastructure. Each of these solutions has created jobs, stimulated local economies, and demonstrated the economic viability of sustainable technologies.

Looking to the future, the Foundation is preparing for Climate Impulse, a planned non-stop, zero-emission global flight powered by green hydrogen, scheduled to further showcase the potential of clean energy technologies. This initiative builds on the legacy of Solar Impulse 2 and aligns with SDG 13 by promoting climate action through cutting-edge innovation. The project is expected to engage global audiences, much like the 2016 flight, which included an in-air interview with then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and reached millions through educational outreach.

Bertrand Piccard: Championing profitable sustainability

Bertrand Piccard is recognised as a pioneering figure and a prominent advocate for the adoption of efficient solutions. As early as the 2000s, he was among the first to approach ecological challenges from the perspective of profitability, establishing himself as an influential voice in the fields of innovation and sustainability. In his role as Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, he promotes qualitative growth by showcasing the economic viability of clean technologies.

He openly criticises the continued reliance on polluting and inefficient systems and calls for the modernisation of legal frameworks to improve market access for sustainable innovations. His advocacy is acknowledged at the highest levels, with his contributions being recognised by major institutions such as the United Nations, the European Commission, and the World Economic Forum. His dedication has led to distinctions including the title of Champion of the Earth and his appointment as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

The Solar Impulse Foundation’s work extends beyond technological innovation to inspire a paradigm shift in how society approaches environmental challenges. By demonstrating that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive, the Foundation provides a roadmap for governments and industries to achieve carbon neutrality without compromising economic development. Its alignment with the SDGs, coupled with tangible successes like Eco Wave Power, Sulapac, and Bladeless, underscores its role as a catalyst for change.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the Solar Impulse Foundation continues to lead by example, proving that a sustainable and prosperous future is within reach.

More information: https://solarimpulse.com/