EXECUTIVE INSIGHT
ABB is a pioneering force in electrification and automation , with a rich heritage spanning more than 140 years . Its innovative solutions combine technical expertise with cutting-edge software , transforming how industries manufacture , power and operate .
Examples of this innovation can be found everywhere from the London Underground to Mars , as ABB has ensured reliable and secure power supply to London Underground ’ s Sub-Surface Railway lines , and equipped NASA ’ s Mars Perseverance rover with Ty-Rap cable ties . The company ’ s 105,000 employees are united in driving sustainable change , working to accelerate the shift toward a greener , more resource-efficient future . Leading this charge is Anke Hampel , who joined ABB in late 2022 as the Group Head of Sustainability . With a background in procurement and the consumer goods and packaging industries , including roles at Tetra Pak and Procter & Gamble , Anke brings a fresh perspective to ABB ’ s sustainability initiatives . Her passion lies in embedding ambitious and transparent sustainability goals within the heart of business strategy .
Q . WHAT ARE ABB ’ S SUSTAINABILITY GOALS AND HOW ARE YOU WORKING TOWARDS THEM ?
» At ABB , our sustainability agenda is at the core of our purpose . We operate with integrity and transparency at a time when many companies are actually choosing not to talk about their ambition or to reduce their ambition .
We have three pillars that are driving us towards our goals ;
• Enabling a low carbon society
• Promoting social progress
• Preserving resources
We have committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and to partnering with our customers to avoid emissions .
Achieving this involves aligning our actions with the International Energy Agency ’ s net zero pathway , which aim to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels . It indicates that by 2030 , we need to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency . ABB has already made significant progress , reaching 94 % renewable energy in 2023 and committing to 100 % by 2030 . ABB has also reduced its own emissions by 76 % versus 2019 .
In addition to carbon reduction , we are focused on reducing methane emissions by 75 %, as methane has 25 times higher global warming potential than CO2 . ABB ’ s process automation business offers solutions such as methane leakage detection equipment to help achieve this goal . Similarly , all new heavy industry equipment investments must be net zero capable , highlighting the urgency of ensuring that long-lifespan assets contribute to sustainability .
Our four business areas
• Electrification
• Process Automation
• Motion and Robotics
• Automation sustainabilitymag . com 23