Our journey

ABB embarked on its sustainability journey in the early 1990s. Our internal and external work has focused on raising health, safety and security standards and performance, improving the company's awareness, performance and reporting on environmental, social and human rights issues, and supporting a number of international programs and initiatives. 

2014

First global safety week held attracting 140,000 participants to about 2,500 training sessions in different parts of the world.

2013

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

2012

The 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 percent.

2010

ABB undertakes the 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 percent of ABB's energy consumption.

2007

Group meets target to cut electricity use by five per cent per manufactured unit.

2006

The new Code of Conduct rolls out in 45 languages.

2005

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

2004

ABB starts investigation to become a CO2-neutral company in the medium-term.

2003

ABB joins Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights.

2002

ABB launches “Access to Electricity” initiative at World Summit 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 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 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

Environmental management systems are set as a group-wide objective involving 43 countries.

1993

Thirty-eight countries participate in the start-up of ABB’s environmental management program.

1992

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

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