ABB establishes new industry benchmark: the first-ever Environmental Product Declaration «EPD» for large electric motors

ABB has achieved an industry first by publishing the first Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for large electric motors compliant with ISO 14025:2006 Type III, covering its AMS 1120 synchronous motors series, establishing a new industry benchmark for transparency in emissions declaration for large electric motors. These motors are mostly used in gas and air compression in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or other petrochemical industries as well as in air separation for chemical or metals industries.

The EPD, a standardized document which details the environmental impact of a product, offers a comprehensive, third-party verified overview of CO2 emissions across the lifecycle of a motor, from design, extraction of materials, manufacturing, use and end of life. The EPD therefore provides ABB customers with verified environmental data, ensuring transparency and allowing them to make more informed decisions when selecting products that align with their sustainability goals.

Data from the EPD produced for the AMS motor series provides transparency on the CO2 emissions during each stage of the lifecycle. The biggest impact on the lifetime emissions occurs during the use phase, which accounts for 99% or 2.4 megatons of CO2, underscoring the importance of high energy efficiency and the selection of electricity source during this stage. Therefore, improving energy efficiency and selecting sustainable electricity sources are key strategies for reducing the overall environmental impact of these motors. Another critical part of the AMS motor lifecycle is the upstream stage where the raw materials are extracted, and intermediate components are produces as these account for 279 tons of CO2.

David Bjerhag, Global Business Line Manager, High Speed Synchronous at ABB Large Motors and Generators said: “This EPD reaffirms ABB’s commitment towards sustainability and transparency.

Publishing the first EPD for large motors marks a significant milestone in our industry’s journey towards a low-carbon society. By publicly sharing information about the AMS motor and other future products, we are empowering our customers to evaluate the environmental footprint of electric motors and make informed choices which align with their sustainability objectives.”

Looking ahead, this is assumed to ensure that the industry can be well-positioned to meet future regulatory requirements, including the anticipated EU eco-design directive and upcoming non-financial reporting requirements which will impact companies listed in US, UK, Swiss or EU stock markets.