ABB Formula E Climate Initiatives
As part of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, UK, ABB announced 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 are scheduled be discussed in a COP26 panel session with ABB’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Theodor Swedjemark, Formula E CEO, Jamie Reigle, and ROKiT Venturi Racing driver, Lucas di Grassi.
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.
“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,” Theodor Swedjemark said.
“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,” Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle added.
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.
ABB is committed to working with customers, governments, business partners, multilateral institutions and NGOs to help achieve the Paris climate goal and the company’s own reduction targets have now also received approval by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) confirming that they are in line with the 1.5°C scenario of the Paris Agreement.
