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The sustainability shift
BUILDING AUTOMATION | STORY
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The sustainability shift
BUILDING AUTOMATION | STORY
Environmental protection and social responsibility are not merely trends for us; they shape our daily actions. We have consistently demonstrated this commitment for over 140 years, from small switches to major initiatives like the "Mission to Zero." This is what sustainability means at ABB.
The Green Shift
In a world that is increasingly characterized by environmental problems and social challenges, sustainability has become an indispensable guiding principle. We refer to the "Green Shift" as the environmentally friendly transformation with the aim of lasting change - from renewable energies and sustainable practices to environmental and social responsibility. As a leading supplier of electrical installation technology, we embrace this responsibility by thinking and acting sustainably, a principle that we have integrated into our corporate philosophy.
But what exactly does that mean?
The heart of our sustainability strategy is the combination of innovation and environmental responsibility. We achieve this by integrating state-of-the-art electrical products with a clear focus on the sustainable use of resources. The pursuit of sustainable solutions runs like a thread through our products - from manufacturing to end use. Through innovative production processes that minimize energy consumption and the use of environmentally friendly materials, for example. Added to this is the ISCC-Plus certification, which confirms that our products sustainably promote the circular economy. This means that even the smallest switches contribute to our significant "Mission to Zero," in which we strive for a future of safe, intelligent, and sustainable electrification.
Major project for an emission-free future
Our "Mission to Zero" was born from our vision of energy self-sufficiency and carbon-neutral industrial production. Today, we can proudly look back on our first almost climate-neutral production site in Lüdenscheid. On sunny days, the 7,300 m² photovoltaic surface covers up to 100 percent of the electricity requirement. Around 1100 MWh of climate-neutral solar power is produced there every year. This is roughly equivalent to the annual consumption of 340 private households. With a combined heat and power plant, which operates with twice the energy efficiency of a coal-fired power plant, we generate around 14 percent more energy than is required at the site. The surplus production is fed into the public grid. In this way, we contribute to supplying the region with sustainably produced energy. Our "Mission to Zero" successfully illustrates the advantages of a system in which all components are digitally networked and controllable, emphasizing energy efficiency, sustainability, and resource conservation.
ABB is a technology leader in electrification, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
Daily implementation of sustainability principles
But our responsibility goes beyond that. We not only want to make our own processes more sustainable, we are also committed to social improvements. The sustainability goals of the United Nations - particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - are reflected in ABB’s key activity areas and show that economic success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. Education, health and equality are at the heart of this for us.
After all, it is first and foremost the people who make ABB what it is. Ensuring a healthy life and promoting the well-being of all. We support our employees through flexible working models, occupational safety, and fitness activities, among other things.
Preventive medical check-ups as part of our own "Fit for Life" health program. High-quality training and further education are also available to our talents for further development. Just like workshops and training courses that promote diversity and equal opportunities, we know that only a culture of diversity makes us strong.
Cradle-to-cradle certification
The award is the global standard for products that are safe, recyclable, and responsibly produced. For example, ABB switch range future® linear is Cradle-to-cradle certified. In the production process, the CO2-emissions are significantly reduced by using recycled polycarbonate.
Sustainability - the key to the future
The time has come to move from conventional practices to a more sustainable way of life. Through the consistent implementation of sustainability principles, we, at ABB, are setting a green example, a path to a sustainable future led through innovative technologies, responsible action, and social commitment. Our contribution to the world is not only to set standards in electrical installation technology but also to build a sustainable and secure future for generations to come.
The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development consists of 17 global sustainability goals, which are also reflected in ABB’s key areas of action.