Transparency in sustainability is crucial for fostering trust between businesses and stakeholders. Consumers, investors and regulatory bodies are demanding more detailed disclosure of information about the environmental impact of products and practices. A new initiative from ABB enhances environmental impact transparency across motor product lifecycles, meeting evolving demands. Emma Westberg, Global Sustainability Specialist for ABB Low Voltage IEC, explains.
For example, the Industrial Emissions Directive requests emissions to be publicly available on the European Industrial Emissions Portal. This paints a picture of an increasingly environmentally conscious market which takes transparency on industry emissions seriously.
Responding to this new demand from customers, EcoSolutions is a comprehensive ABB-wide programme designed to provide complete transparency on the environmental impact of its products across their entire lifecycle, from inception through to disposal. This initiative has been rolled out across various ABB business areas, with Low Voltage IEC pioneering its implementation on ABB’s IE5 and anticipated IE6 SynRM motors.
ABB’s decision to launch EcoSolutions was influenced by a detailed market analysis that underscored sustainability as a critical factor in customer decision-making. EcoSolutions facilitates easier identification of products that align with sustainability criteria, thereby supporting customers in making informed choices.
IE6 and IE5 SynRM Motors
A hallmark of ABB’s commitment to sustainability is the IE6 and IE5 SynRM range — its most environmentally friendly IEC low voltage motor. These motors offer ultra-premium efficiency, high reliability and do not use rare earth metals. Notably, the copper used in these motors is sourced from low-carbon suppliers, emphasising sustainable material procurement.
EcoSolutions supports ABB’s IE6 hyper-efficient SynRM motors. Despite not yet being specified in any official industry-wide standard, so far, each higher IE efficiency class has had 20 percent lower energy losses than the previous one. ABB has continued this approach with the IE6 SynRM. EcoSolutions will help inform customers who are looking to take their efficiency to the next level.
The SynRM motors have some unique sustainability features:
QR Code Integration: Each SynRM motor features a QR code that links to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relevant to the product’s lifecycle and circularity values – see below.
EPD Reliability: The EPDs comply with the ISO 14025 Type III standard and are verified by independent third parties, ensuring credible and unbiased reporting of the motor’s environmental impact.
Circularity KPIs: These indicators confirm the motors’ adherence to sustainability practices, including recyclable design, resource-efficient operations, and responsible waste management. SynRM motors are sourced with 29% recycled materials and have a recyclability rate of around 90%. This is in line with EN45555 standards, which assess the recyclability of energy-related products.
The EcoSolutions initiative currently encompasses IE6 and IE5 SynRM motors with shaft heights ranging from 160 to 315, and in cast iron frames. It specifically includes the latest models designed for increased safety in hazardous areas.
Customer insight and engagement
Through EcoSolutions, ABB has responded adeptly to detailed customer inquiries about product sustainability. Questions range from carbon footprint and recycled content percentages to comprehensive emissions data — illustrating a growing customer base that prioritises environmental impacts in their procurement decisions.
A practical instance of EcoSolutions’ impact is seen in ABB’s engagement with a Swedish wastewater treatment entity. The organisation places a premium on energy efficiency and the availability of EPDs, often prioritising these factors above price in their procurement criteria. By assessing and selecting motors that aligned with their corporate values, they were able to make sustainable choices with confidence.
A transformative approach
ABB’s EcoSolutions marks a transformative approach in the industrial sector by integrating sustainability at the core of product design and performance metrics. By offering verifiable and transparent environmental data, ABB empowers customers to make responsible choices, driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Companies that provide clear, verifiable, and accessible data, position themselves as responsible and forward-thinking leaders. Ultimately, being transparent about sustainability efforts is not just about compliance or marketing, but about contributing authentically to the ecological welfare of our planet.
With expertise in sustainability, circularity, life cycle assessments, and environmental standardisation, along with an MSc in Engineering – Energy-Environment-Management, Emma Westberg is ABB’s Sustainability Specialist for IEC Low Voltage motors.
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