ABB's sustainability history | Sustainability

We have been enabling energy efficiency and electrification for over 140 years. We help all industries run at high performance and become more productive, efficient and sustainable so they can outperform. Read more about our sustainability actions over the past three decades below.

2023

ABB sets new targets for 2030 and 2050 aligned with the Net-Zero Standard of the Science Based Targets initiative. Also updates its ambition to enable customers to avoid 600 megatons of CO₂e emissions through products sold from 2022 to 2030.

2021

ABB starts implementing its sustainability framework 2030 and makes strong progress in laying the foundations to further embed sustainability across across its business and value chain.

2022

ABB shows steady progress against its sustainability targets and develops its first value creation model to reflect how it creates value for stakeholders.

2020

ABB launches its sustainability framework 2030 focused on balancing the needs of society, the environment and the economy to create success for all of its stakeholders. Its key goal is carbon neutrality.

2019

HSE fully embedded in business; businesses lead with corporate assurance through regulations and processes.

2018

ABB introduces a global HSE/SA management system for health, safety, the environment, security and sustainability, creating clear and common expectations for its entire global business.

2017

Introduced global management information system (MIS) for reporting targets, with streamlined measures and new goals on GHG emissions, gender equality, and well-being.

2016

ABB launches a health and wellbeing initiative to promote resilience and integrate good health practices into the daily life of all of its employees.

2015

ABB extends its engagement with stakeholders by creating an external panel to review and challenge the company’s sustainability performance and reporting.

2014

ABB holds its first global safety week, attracting 140,000 participants to about 2,500 training sessions around the world.

2013

ABB launches a new set of sustainability objectives up to 2020.

2012

ABB's Supplier Sustainability Development Program moves ahead with 121 audits, training more than 1,000 suppliers and 1,250 employees.

2011

Launched Sustainability Strategy 2015+ with materiality review, objectives, KPIs, and ABB Sustainability Board.

2010

ABB undertakes its largest-ever sustainability stakeholder survey of more than 500 people and organizations.

2009

ABB receives awards in 14 countries for its sustainability achievements.

2008

Energy audits lead to improvement projects accounting for 45% of ABB's energy consumption.

2007

Strengthens security and crisis management to protect employees and contractors in risk areas.

2006

ABB's new Code of Conduct is rolled out in 45 languages.

2005

Set targets to phase out hazardous substances; joined International Committee of the Red Cross corporate support group.

2004

ABB starts investigating how to become a carbon-neutral company in the medium term.

2003

Implements OHSAS 18001 occupation health and safety system and becomes a joint founder of the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights.

2002

ABB launches “Access to Electricity” initiative at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

2001

Dow Jones Sustainability Index rates ABB top of its group for the third year running.

2000

ABB launches social policy and publishes its first sustainability report including environmental and social performance.

1999

ABB initiates the World Energy Council’s greenhouse gas reduction program.

1998

ABB’s CEO serves on the World Commission on Dams, which produces guidelines for hydroelectric power projects.

1997

ABB launches its second-generation life-cycle assessment software tool and database.

1996

ABB introduces ISO 14001, with a total of 50 sites gaining certification.

1995

ABB publishes its environmental objectives and 15 sites are certified to BS 7750 or EMAS environmental standards.

1994

ABB’s first environmental report - Sites implementing ISO 14001.

1993

ABB starts its environmental management program with 38 of its country organizations participating.

1992

ABB establishes its environmental affairs organization and an environmental advisory board.

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