In 2025, ABB achieved an industry-first by gaining an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the GMD ring motor. Based on a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the EPD tracks the environmental footprint of a 24MW GMD ring motor from raw materials to end of life. The EPD underlines thevalue of GMD in a sustainable mining future and reinforces keyfindings asserted in this industry paper.
To elaborate on the goals of the EPD, the process involved andits significance for the industry, ABB’s EPD Project Lead Andrea Quinta was invited to participate in a Q&A.
Interview with Andrea Quinta, ABB Sustainability Specialist and EPD Project Lead
Q: What was the goal and scope of the EPD?
A: The purpose of this EPD was to provide transparent, verified information covering the entire life cycle of the ring motor – a key component in the GMD – from raw materials to end-of-life disposal.The analysis gives our stakeholders detailed information about the environmental impact of thisproduct, so that they can make informed decisions about the sustainability of their supply chains.
Q: Why does this EPD matter to ABB?
A: It underscores ABB’s commitment to sustainability. Transparency is a big part ofthat – and this document demonstrates to our stakeholders that we are both capable and committed to undertaking comprehensive LCAs and continuously improving our products. Importantly, it allows us to pinpoint specific stages of the product life cycle where environmental impacts could be reduced, leading to a more efficient, eco-friendly product and better industry practices.
Q: Why should it matter to the mining industry?
A: Mining operations are under increased pressure to reduce their environmental impact, which means there is a big focus on sustainability and CO2 emissions. In fact, one of our mining customers asked questions related to our emissions, which encouraged us to undertake an LCA and achieve an EPD. The EPD supports these customers by providing them with detailed data about the impact of the GMD. This helps them align what they are buying with their sustainability goals. And ultimately that means better outcomes and increased compliance with regulations.
Q: Can you provide a quick overview of the process?
A: Figuring out how we would undertake the EPD was challenging. Simplistically, this was our step-by-step approach:
- Identify Product Category Rules (PCRs): Choosingthe correct PCR was the most critical step. If the wrong one is selected than the work has to beredone. ABB selected Environdec as the program operator due to its wide range of applicable PCRs to our products.
- Data collection and analysis: Using Simapro software, data was gathered and analysed to assess environmental impacts.
- Report creation: Findings were summarised into a formal EDP report.
- Validation and registration: A third-party validator audited the report before it was officially registered and published on the Environdec portal.
The EPD supports customers by providing them with detailed data about the impact of the GMD. This helps them align what they are buying with their sustainability goals. And ultimately, that means better outcomes and increased compliance with regulations.
Q: What were the key metrics of the EPD?
A: We comply with the PCR instructions, so we had to include several metrics in our EPD. However, we could say the main metric used is the global warming potential (GWP) of the ring motor. The GWP basically assesses the greenhouse gas emissions over a product’s life cycle. It compares all emissions to the equivalent impact of one ton of CO2, helping quantify environmental effects.
Q: What were the findings?
A: Our assessment revealed a total GWP of 116 kilotons CO2-equivalent based on a reference service life of 25 years. While this figure can’t yet be compared because this is the first EPD we have done, we now have a benchmark to make future comparisons and improvements. And we’ve already been able to identify areas for improvement in the manufacturing phase of the ring motor.
Q: What improvements are being explored?
A: One opportunity we identified for improvement was our sourcing of greener metals. In our case, copper and steel are key metals that have a huge impact on the indicators and their results, so finding greener metals will be a focus area for improving this footprint. Also, we are looking at how we can reduce the fuel use in one of our processes. This will also decrease our emissions and environmental impact further.
Q: Who did you collaborate with what did you learn along the way?
A: The LCA process required input from many departments including HSE, engineering, supply chain, tendering, project management, and manufacturing. It took around six months to complete the data collecting phase due to the depth of data required. Honestly, I didn’t realise how little I knew about our ring motor product until I undertook this study! Through the data collection process, I learned about all facets of its manufacture. Not only did this broaden my understanding of how it is made, but it deepened my respect for all the people involved.
Q: Has the EPD been a source of motivation at the Bilbao factory?
A: Absolutely. It was a new process for us, so it came with challenges, but it fostered a lot of pride and motivation among our team – as everyone contributed. Achieving the EPD not only brought a sense of accomplishment but vindicated why we do what we do. ABB’s purpose is to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, and the EPD exemplifies us living that purpose.
Q: How does this EPD enable ABB to support mining customers further?
A: The EPD opens the door for ABB to offer sustainability consulting and tailored environment alanalyses for individual clients. While the EPD provides a general scenario, we can create specific scenarios for each of our clients so that they can meet their own environmental goals. Also, we have created end-of-life instructions for our clients so that they can dispose of the ring motor in the most sustainable way possible.
ABB’s purpose is to enable a moresustainable and resource-efficient future, and the EPD exemplifies us living that purpose.
A new standard in sustainability
In publishing the first ever EPD for a GMD ring motor, ABB has set a new industry standard. From life cycle data to end-of-life planning, the EPD provides invaluable information about its overall sustainability, and where improvements might be made in both the manufacturing and use phase of the ring motor. According to Mikel Torre, ABB General Manager – BL GMD Ring Motors, this has significant implications.
“EPDs provide standardised, verified data on the environmental impact of products, enhancing transparency and credibility. This builds trust with customers, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies,” he explains. “They also offer a competitive advantage by differentiating products in the market, appealing to eco-conscious consumers, and increasing market share. By identifying areas for improvement and reducing environmental footprint, EPDs enable continuous product improvement to consistently exceed customer expectations.”
It’s also a powerful demonstration of ABB’s values, and commitment to sustainability and transparency for all stakeholders.
“ABB is fully committed to our Sustainability Agenda, which pursues a net-zero future through integrity and transparency,” explains Global Business Line Manager for GMD, Wilson Monteiro. “For this reason, an EPD is vital to our ambition of becoming a leader in sustainability. By providing clear, verified environmental information, EPDs demonstrate that commitment. Incorporating EPDs into a factory's strategy is a powerful way to lead by example and meet regulatory demands.”
Significantly, it underlines the role that GMD has in reducing the environmental impacts of mining. This is Real Progress – measured, verified, published.
