ABB's sustainability history | Sustainability

At ABB, we have been enabling energy efficiency and electrification for over 140 years. Our solutions allow our customers to remain competitive while lowering their carbon footprint. 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.

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

ABB streamlines the number of measures within its 2020 objectives and includes new targets on greenhouse gas emissions, gender equality and employee 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

ABB meets its annual target to reduce energy consumption by 2.5%.

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

ABB meets target to cut electricity use by 5% per manufactured unit.

2006

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

2005

ABB joins corporate support group of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

2004

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

2003

ABB joins other global companies in founding the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights to develop responses to human rights issues that affect the business world.

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 sets up environmental management systems involving 43 of its country organizations.

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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