ABB, the global industrial and automation company, has earned top “A” ratings from the non-profit CDP for both climate change and water management, placing it in the top 1 percent of more than 22,000 companies worldwide. This marks the first time ABB has achieved an A rating for water, while its climate rating represents a third consecutive year on CDP’s Climate A List.
Anke Hampel, ABB’s Group Head of Sustainability, said the recognition “is testament to our strengthened focus on water-related risks, stewardship, governance, and engagement with suppliers.”
The awards come as climate change, population growth, and industrial demand put increasing pressure on water resources. ABB assesses its 320 global sites each year for water-related risks, focusing on locations in water-stressed regions. Sites in these areas conduct self-assessments and take steps to reduce water stress, following standards set by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS).
ABB’s factory in Nelamangala, near Bengaluru, India, became the company’s first site to earn AWS Gold certification. The facility recycles about 85 percent of its treated water and uses rainwater harvesting to replenish local groundwater. Over the past three years, these efforts have raised groundwater levels in the area by more than 30 meters, helping both the factory and the local community.
Experts say that strong water and climate management is increasingly important for companies operating in regions with limited resources. ABB’s recognition by CDP and AWS shows how global industrial firms can combine efficiency with environmental responsibility.
ABB has improved its water management score from a B in 2023 to an A- in 2024, and now to an A in 2025. These efforts are part of the company’s wider sustainability work, including energy efficiency and low-emission technologies, which aim to make its operations more productive and environmentally responsible.
By integrating engineering expertise with sustainable practices, ABB demonstrates how companies can address environmental risks while supporting local communities, positioning itself as a leader in responsible industrial innovation.
