ABB is specialized in energy and automation. Because of these activities, energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction are key priorities in the management of this company. Next to diminishing the ecological footprint, the multinational holds the ambition to remain a frontrunner of sustainability in its sector. Due to this motivation, the Benelux-branch of ABB decided to implement the CO₂ Performance Ladder.

CO₂ awareness

“ABB Benelux is part of the major multinational ABB Group, which is committed to the ambition of worldwide CO₂ reduction. This essential goal is anchored in our policy of sustainability”, says Eva De Decker, Environmental Coordinator at ABB Benelux. “This gave us a reason to work with systems that contribute to the worldwide ambition of CO₂ reduction, which is why we opted for the CO₂ Performance Ladder.”

“We specifically chose the CO₂ Performance Ladder because the complete management system does not only increase our awareness of CO₂, it also leads to an economical advantage. Moreover, our clients, such as governments, are familiar with the C02PL system. The CO₂ Performance Ladder sets itself apart from other systems by providing for an award advantage for tenders. The higher the ambition to reduce CO₂, the bigger the chance to win the competition for a project. In that way, CO₂ reduction is not only an initiative that happens once, but it is a continuous effort.”

Encouraging CO₂ reduction

The energy and automation section started out with level 3 on the Ladder and has recently improved its efforts to level 5. After conducting an analysis of company activities that cause the most CO₂ emissions, ABB decided to aim its CO₂ reduction efforts at two cases, namely the ABB marine software Octopus and ABB Drives. The Octopus is a software system that helps cargo ships save fuel by calculating the most efficient route possible based on weather expectations, velocity, load and form of the ship. According to ABB, ships consume a large amount of fuel, which is why the company expects to achieve the most CO₂ reduction and economical advantage within the shipping sector through the Octopus system.

Furthermore, the automation company focuses on ABB Drives. This smart system lets engines save fuel and energy. According to De Decker, ABB can contribute a great deal to energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction by focusing on these products. “Our goal is to be more efficient with energy and to save carbon emissions, which is translated to the products that we deliver to our clients. This is why we, as a company, cannot stay behind. To increase our own energy efficiency, our office buildings make use of renewable energy. We also make use of energy efficient LED lighting and focus on reducing emissions caused by transport and mobility of our employees.”

The implementation of the CO₂ Performance Ladder contributes to creating more awareness around sustainability and carbon emissions within the company. “Sustainability is strongly integrated in our corporation, which is why our employees find it logical for ABB to be actively involved in CO₂ reduction”, says De Decker. “For instance, the employees also make notifications on minor improvements that can be done within their departments to diminish CO₂ emissions. The CO₂ Performance Ladder is therefore not merely a certification tool, but when it is applied in practice by our employees, we can achieve such results.”