ABB joins UN program to advance energy efficiency

ABB is working with the UN's Sustainable Energy For All initiative to boost energy efficiency in motors and transformers.

“Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity and a healthy environment. Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy.”

So said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a press release announcing the launch of “Sustainable Energy for All,” a program focused on taking concrete action on climate change through changes in the way we use energy. SE4ALL held its first annual conference this week at the UN in New York and Daniel Assandri, Country Manager for ABB in Canada, was on hand to take part in a panel discussion on Wednesday on the sidelines of the larger conference.

“I am pleased to represent ABB at this important gathering and have the opportunity to highlight ABB’s commitment to energy efficiency and how our technology can mitigate environmental impact,” said Assandri.

SE4ALL has three interrelated objectives:

  • Ensuring universal access to modern energy services
  • Doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
  • Doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

All of these are to be realized by 2030, which is a tall order but still achievable with current technology.

Accelerating the transition to efficient appliances and equipment was the focus of Wednesday’s panel, which launched the UN’s Global Partnership Programme. ABB joined other manufacturers as well as UN ambassadors from three nations to kick off an international effort to fast-track the adoption of minimum efficiency performance standards (MEPS), particularly in developing nations that do not currently have strong efficiency standards in place.

ABB is in a unique position to help as a member of the Global Partnership Programme. The company is the world’s largest supplier of both electric motors and distribution transformers, two product areas targeted by SE4ALL, and ABB has maintained a longstanding presence on several major standards-making bodies.

Geographically, India is of particular interest for the company as it is a large and developing market but currently lacks MEPS.

Daniel Assandri speaks with ABB colleagues Stephane Schaal (left) and Brent McManis at the United Nations.
Daniel Assandri speaks with ABB colleagues Stephane Schaal (left) and Brent McManis at the United Nations.

“As countries like India become more sophisticated in their approach to sustainable growth, energy efficiency is a natural place to start,” says Assandri. “It has a built-in business case, and the benefits accrue to the society at large as well as the equipment owner.”

Going forward, ABB will work with other UN global partners to develop and propagate efficiency standards in a variety of markets around the world.

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About the author

Bob Fesmire

Bob Fesmire is a Content Manager at ABB, based in Cary, North Carolina. He has written more than 150 articles and white papers on a variety of topics including energy efficiency, industrial automation and big data. In addition to his work at ABB, Bob is also the co-author of Energy Explained, a non-technical introduction to all aspects of the energy industry.
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