Contribute to environmental stewardship in the communities and the countries where ABB operates
Beijing, June 4, 2010 -June 5th marks the World Environment Day. Environmental protection is the key to the sustainable development of the world. ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, not only strictly manages its products and production processes, but also actively contributes to environmental stewardship in the communities and the countries where ABB operates.
Adrienne Williams, head of ABB environmental affairs, said, "ABB has a strong heritage in environmental management, and created a dedicated environment department in 1992. Lowering environmental impact, sustainability and business ethics are at the core of our market offering and our own operations. Improving the environmental performance of our own and our customers' operations is an integral part of ABB's Vision and Mission statements."
ABB complies with the stringent environmental standards in its production. All ABB manufacturing and service sites must implement an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001. For non-manufacturing sites, such as offices and warehouses, the company also actively implements plans for continual improvement of environmental performance. ABB has done utmost to avoid the use of hazardous substances in its products and processes.
Apart from improving its business operation and environmental performance, ABB is also dedicated to environmental stewardship in the communities and the countries where ABB operates.
In South Africa, ABB partnered with WWF in an "Eco-School" program with focus on environmental learning. The company contributes to promote environmental and energy efficiency education to 5000 primary school learners in a township in the Eastern Cape. ABB also funded the development and distribution of a climate change game for schools, encouraging discussion of climate change and ways of mitigating it. Pupils then draw up plans on how to combat climate change in their schools, homes and communities.
ABB has partnered with WWF and local authorities in Tanzania on the Access to Electricity program. This rural electrification program was launched in 2002 in a remote village. To date, electrification has led to economic, social and environmental gains. About 100 homes, small businesses a school and a health clinic have been connected to a mini-grid. The electricity allows children to study and go to extra classes at school after dark, and local doctors can treat patients at night. In early 2010, an electrical oil seed press and a wood factory using two electrical machines were added, boosting villagers' incomes.
In China, ABB has launched a 3-year environmental program partnered with Inner Mongolia Power Company (IMPC). The project uses ecological barriers and forestation to prevent sand dunes from endangering the vital high-voltage transmission lines running through the Maowusu Desert in Inner Mongolia. Green corridors of newly planted trees and grass stretches several kilometers in length and 200 meters wide. In Taiwan province, ABB focused on wetland conservation, partnering with the Guandu Nature Park and Chouchai Wetland Park. Both parks are significant habitats and breeding grounds for a wide variety of bird species and ABB supports the rehabilitation and maintenance of these valuable sites.
Adrienne Williams added, "Long-term loss of biodiversity will have significant impacts on food sources, livelihoods and the ways that societies function. ABB's growth as a business depends on functioning societies. Therefore it is in our personal interests, as well the interests of the business, to do what is in our power to minimize our impacts on biodiversity. But finally, the ultimate decision-maker for biodiversity is the individual. The many small choices we make every day add up to a large impact and count the most.
World Environment Day (WED), commemorated annually on June 5th since 1972, is one of the main vehicles used by the United Nations to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment. The theme for this year's WED is "Many Species. One Planet. One Future".
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including research and development, manufacturing, sales and services, with 15,300 employees, 30 joint ventures and wholly owned companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 60 cities.
