As part of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, UK, ABB is today announcing the ABB Formula E Climate Initiatives, which will underline the global technology leader’s commitment to raising the profile of issues relating to climate change.
ABB is title partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – the world’s first all-electric international single-seater racing series. Together with Formula E, the company is continuously looking at new ways to drive engagement in all sustainability topics via the Championship and maximize the positive impact on the cities and countries in which races are held.
This has led to development of the Climate Initiatives, focused around three pillars: Innovating technologies; Social progress, diversity and inclusion; Championing Change. The Initiatives will be discussed in a COP26 panel session on Wednesday with ABB’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Theodor Swedjemark, Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle, and ROKiT Venturi Racing driver, Lucas di Grassi.sdsds
Under these pillars, activities will be undertaken in connection with ABB Formula E races in city centers around the world. ABB will build on its existing partnership with FIA Girls on Track to empower women and promote gender equality in an innovative, engaging, and positive manner. It will also support energy transition through education, awareness, training and volunteering by organizing events in schools and communities. Global & local engagement will also be driven by targeted public affairs programs within race locations.
Di Grassi joins the panel in his new role as ABB’s latest ambassador in ABB Formula E. His high-profile engagement in sustainability and e-mobility topics make him an ideal partner for ABB as they work together on projects that drive sustainable progress and address the climate challenge.
Theodor Swedjemark said: “Sustainability is the foundation for everything we do – and it inspires our roadmap for the future. Together with Formula E, we are engaging in COP26 in the firm belief that our products and services have a positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions and to do this we need collaboration to create better arenas for interaction across all our stakeholders. Our joint climate initiatives are a perfect example of this collaboration, using the high-profile platform of the series to showcase how we can continue to push the boundaries of technology, improve equality and champion change.”
Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle added: “At COP26, we are showcasing how the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is a platform to accelerate electric vehicle innovation and sustainable human progress. Along with our teams, manufacturers, host cities and valued partners like ABB, we are united in our belief in the power of sport to inspire change and create a better future for the planet. We are delighted to extend our partnership with ABB through the ABB Formula E Climate Initiatives, a deeper collaboration that will elevate the dialogue around innovation, social progress and change in cities around the world.”
In this collaborative spirit, ABB has also partnered with TIME magazine at COP26 to host a series of knowledge-sharing events themed around climate topics: The Sustainability Series brought to you by TIME and ABB.
Moderated by CNBC News Anchor Mark Barton, the talks include ABB Executive Committee members Tarak Mehta (Electrification), Morten Wierod (Motion), Theodor Swedjemark, and Marine & Ports Division President Juha Koskela, as well as customers, policy makers and senior representatives from international organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Key topics include the challenges and solutions related to core themes of COP26, such as digitalization; electrification and how to build smart networks; smart cities and sustainable transport solutions.
ABB has also released a new episode of its ABB Decoded podcast, themed around COP26. With guest Mike Peirce, the Corporate Partnerships Director of The Climate Group, the episode discusses how the summit helps address global climate challenges, exploring what happens not only at COP, but in the pre-conference build up. It also explores the particular sense of urgency around COP26 and why the years ahead are so important.
Additionally, ABB is using its global presence to embark on the “ABB Road To COP” and #ABB4ClimateAction campaigns, via a number of local events in key markets such as the US, UK, Sweden, Switzerland, the EU and India.
As part of the “ABB Road To COP”, ABB will showcase the ease of undertaking a long journey in a state-of-the-art EV, by driving a Porsche Taycan from the south coast of England to COP26 host city Glasgow. The journey of approx. 750km will be undertaken in one day, with charging stops at a number of ABB partner locations. A short film about the trip will be produced to highlight the many benefits of
e-mobility.
Under its 2030 Sustainability Strategy, ABB plans to become carbon-neutral by continuing to transition to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Its EV 100 plan commits ABB to electrifying its fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles by 2030 and it aims to help reduce customers’ annual CO2 emissions by 100 megatons – equivalent to the annual emissions of 30 million combustion cars.