Sustainable development through time

ABB launches its sustainability strategy 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.

ABB introduces a global HSE/SA management system for health, safety, the environment, security and sustainability creating clear and common expectations in all our global businesses.

ABB streamlined the number of measures within our 2020 objectives and included new targets on greenhouse gas emissions, gender equality and employee well-being.

ABB launches health and wellbeing initiative to promote resilience and integrate good health practices into the daily life of all our employees.

ABB extends its engagement with stakeholders by creating an external panel to review and challenge the company’s sustainability performance and reporting.

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

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

The Supplier Sustainability Development Program moves ahead with 121 audits, training more than 1,000 suppliers and 1,250 employees.

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

ABB undertakes the largest-ever sustainability stakeholder survey of more than 500 people and organizations.

ABB receives awards in 14 countries for its sustainability achievements.

Energy audits lead to improvement projects accounting for 45 percent of ABB's energy consumption.

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

The new Code of Conduct rolls out in 45 languages.

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

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

ABB joins Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights.

ABB launches “Access to Electricity” initiative at World Summit in Johannesburg.

Dow Jones Sustainability Index rates ABB top of its group for the third year running.

ABB launches social policy and publishes first sustainability report including environmental and social performance.

ABB initiates the World Energy Council’s greenhouse gas reduction program.

ABB’s CEO serves on World Commission on Dams, which produces guidelines for hydroelectric power projects.

ABB launches its second-generation life cycle assessment software tool and database.

ABB introduces ISO 14001, with a total of 50 sites gaining certification.

ABB publishes its environmental objectives and 15 sites are certified to BS 7750 or EMAS environmental standards.

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

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

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