Emissions cut by 80 percent in two years at ABB Mexico factory, with Mission to Zero™

An array of energy-saving measures introduced at one of ABB’s Mexico facilities has reduced emissions by 80 percent in two years.

Since committing to the Mission to Zero blueprint for sustainable operations, the site in Saltillo, north-east Mexico, which produces load centres and safety switches, has reduced emissions by more than 5,200 tons of CO₂e against its 2022 baseline.

The ABB Ability™ Energy Manager digital solution has also been introduced to analyse energy consumption in real time and identify how usage can be optimized, according to demand.

In addition to providing data insights, the system integrates the power feed from more than 1,000 PV panels which supply 980MWh of power per year – approximately 10 percent of the site’s requirements. Remaining energy needs are supplied from renewable sources.

The Mission to Zero™ journey

ABB Saltillo started its sustainability journey in 2019 with Clean Industry Certification, followed by the installation of motion detectors, LED lighting, and external PV lighting in 2020.

Roof skylights were subsequently installed, allowing natural light to replace electric lighting during daytime shifts. This single measure saved almost 1800 MWh of energy annually, thanks to reduced dependence on artificial lighting.

Water conservation was a key focus of ABB Saltillo’s sustainability drive, as the factory is located in the state of Coahuila, a region of high water stress.

More than 60 percent (3,760 m³) of water consumed is directed to an on-site wastewater treatment plant, where it is repurposed for gardening. These measures contribute to reducing regional water depletion.

Net-zero emissions by 2050

ABB Saltillo’s progress echoes the wider advances of our Mission to Zero™  program since 2019.

Designed to “solve sustainability from the inside out”, Mission to Zero™ brings together technologies using digital solutions and renewable energy, to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.

The scalable blueprint to help industries run leaner and cleaner has been rolled out across 20 ABB facilities, and the Saltillo site was one of six to be recognized for their sustainability achievements during 2024. ABB’s Nogales site, also in Mexico, achieved Mission to Zero™ status in 2023. 

Collectively, they support ABB’s commitment to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 100% by 2050 (compared to 2019).

Footnotes:

1. World Resources Institute: Aquaduct Country Rankings

2.  Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, US EPA 

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