Embedding in the day-to-day

GIS factory in Switzerland (photo)

ABB’s vision is to provide “Power and productivity for a better world.” Our technologies help to make the world a better place by contributing to the economic success of our customers, the development of society and the reduction of environmental impact.

Sustainability principles and considerations are embedded in ABB’s business strategy and guide what we manufacture, how we operate the company and the way we behave towards stakeholders.

Our sustainability strategy is aligned with corporate strategy and is supported by objectives that address ABB’s activities and impacts along the value chain. Progress towards our objectives is driven through all levels the business, from Executive Committee endorsement, through operational review and target setting in business units and countries to local training and execution at site, supported by sustainability specialists at Group, country and local level.

Sustainability Board

Our Sustainability Board, comprising the ABB Executive Committee, oversees sustainability policies and programs, reviews developments and monitors progress towards our targets on an annual basis. Executive Committee Member Jean-Christophe Deslarzes is responsible for the ABB Sustainability Affairs organization. He succeeded Gary Steel who held this position since 2003 and under whose watch many improvements – including ABB’s global health and safety program – were initiated.

In 2013, the Sustainability Board reviewed and approved new Group sustainability objectives for 2014–2020. The objectives were developed as a result of extensive consultations about sustainability expectations across our businesses and with a range of external stakeholders. This process and the objectives are described in more detail later in this report.

Group sustainability team

Global sustainability network

Sustainability policies, principles and external initiatives

Approach to sustainability reporting