Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between Social Impact Investment (SII) and Renewable Energy Investment (REI) to understand the social impact components of REI within a stakeholder analytical framework. This study represents an initial attempt to make sense of the novel field of SII-REI based on a synthesis of utilitarian concept, behavioural science, and institutional theory. Within this conceptual framework, REI is arguably inherently ‘social’ by nature, because pursuing positive environmental impact is innate to a REI project. Moreover, positive environmental change can lead to positive social value creation even when renewable energy is produced or exploited by purely commercially oriented ventures. This paper incorporates and institutionalises SII-REI in an integrated narrative by providing a new definition and analytical framework.