ABB’s Saltillo Facility Achieves 80% Emission Reduction, Contributing Over 5,200 Tonnes of CO2e Savings in Just Two Years

ABB’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing continues to make remarkable progress at its Saltillo production site in Mexico, where the facility has successfully reduced its carbon emissions by 80% over the past two years. The latest data shows a reduction of more than 5,200 tonnes of CO2e compared to baseline reporting in 2022, further solidifying the company’s role in driving sustainability within the manufacturing sector.

A major factor contributing to this substantial reduction in emissions has been the implementation of smart building technologies and the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems. By harnessing the power of solar energy, the facility has made significant strides toward its goal of reducing its carbon footprint. On-site solar power generation, combined with green energy purchases and the optimization of energy productivity, has allowed the Saltillo site to cut emissions by an impressive 80%. The facility’s ability to generate electricity via its 1,000 PV panels, which produce approximately 980MWh annually—around 10% of the site’s total power consumption—is a key element of this achievement. The remainder of the electricity required is sourced from Mexican renewable projects, supported through I-REC certificates.

ABB’s Saltillo facility also utilizes the ABB Ability™ Energy Manager smart energy management system. This system analyzes energy consumption patterns, enabling the site to optimize energy use and improve efficiency in real time, ensuring that energy demand fluctuates in an environmentally conscious manner. This technology further highlights ABB’s commitment to sustainable operations and to maximizing efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

In addition to energy management, the facility has embraced sustainable transportation by installing ABB’s Terra AC wall boxes for electric vehicle (EV) charging, underscoring its support for clean and green mobility solutions.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

ABB’s sustainability journey at the Saltillo site began in 2019 with Clean Industry Certification and has since expanded to include a wide array of environmentally friendly initiatives. In 2020, the installation of motion sensors and LED lighting systems helped reduce energy consumption, while skylights added to the building’s roof, taking advantage of natural sunlight and minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day. These efforts have resulted in energy savings of nearly 1,800MWh annually.

Water conservation has also been a focal point at the Saltillo site. Over 60% of the water consumed at the facility, approximately 3,760m³, is directed to an on-site wastewater treatment plant, where it is repurposed for gardening. This initiative helps mitigate water depletion issues in the region, as Coahuila, where the facility is located, ranks as the fourth highest state for water stress in Mexico.

Mike Mustapha, President of ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings Division, commented: “Our Saltillo facility is progressing on its journey to achieve the goals set out in our ‘Mission to Zero’ program, demonstrating our commitment to a resource-conscious and sustainable future. The sustainability efforts of our local team are a solid example of how smart buildings can achieve both cost savings and sustainability—while enhancing the safety and comfort of their inhabitants. Not only does this reduction reflect the electricity consumption of 947 homes for an entire year, but it also contributes to the State of Coahuila’s objective of reducing regional emissions.”

ABB’s Commitment to a Low-Carbon Future

The achievements at the Saltillo site align with ABB’s science-based ‘net zero’ targets, which are in accordance with the Net-Zero Standard of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company’s ongoing sustainability efforts are part of its broader Mission to Zero program, which includes energy generation, energy management, and building automation for industrial and commercial operations.

ABB’s commitment to driving the transition to a low-carbon society extends beyond its own operations. By working closely with customers to reduce emissions and increase the adoption of renewable energy, ABB is helping pave the way toward a more sustainable, resource-efficient future.