ABB plant in Tucumán earns global “Mission to Zero” certification with ambitious sustainability measures

ABB Electrification’s plant in Bella Vista, in the northern Argentine province of Tucumán, has become one of the first 35 facilities, out of the Swiss multinational’s 170 worldwide, to obtain “Mission to Zero” certification. The recognition highlights its commitment to emissions reduction and efficient resource use, positioning the site as a benchmark for sustainable industry in Latin America.

The results are significant. The plant has achieved a 97% reduction in CO₂ emissions and annual savings of about 500 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. Operations are powered by 100% renewable energy, broken down as follows:

• 15% generated on-site through ABB-owned solar panels, recently expanded to boost self-generation.
• 85% supplied from the power grid and certified through I-REC (International Renewable Energy Certificates), which guarantee the renewable origin of the electricity consumed.

Measures implemented in detail

The achievement is based on a comprehensive set of measures spanning electrification, energy efficiency and digitalization. Key actions implemented at the Bella Vista plant include:

• Full electrification of mobility: The entire internal fleet has been replaced with electric vehicles, including on-site charging points and a zero direct-emissions delivery vehicle, eliminating the use of fossil fuels in daily operational transport.
• High-efficiency motors: Deployment of IE4-class motors, the highest standard for energy efficiency, minimizing losses and significantly reducing electricity consumption in production processes.
• Efficient lighting: A complete switch to LED technology across the facility, sharply cutting energy use for lighting while delivering additional savings through longer service life and lower maintenance.
• Intelligent digital management: Implementation of an artificial intelligence-based system that monitors and optimizes energy consumption in real time. The tool analyzes usage patterns, automatically adjusts equipment and detects inefficiencies, enabling more precise and predictive operations.

According to ABB, these measures not only support decarbonization but also reinforce operational excellence. From Tucumán, the company manufactures low-voltage equipment, such as circuit breakers, contactors and relays, supplying the entire Latin American market while meeting global quality standards.

Circular economy

In parallel, the plant is advancing circular economy practices and waste management, in line with ABB’s global goals, including “Zero Waste to Landfill” certification, promoting material reuse and waste minimization.

Giselle Somale, ABB’s country holding officer for Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, said the certification strengthens the company’s role as a “sustainable technology partner,” particularly in the context of Argentina’s Large Investment Incentives Regime, or RIGI, where verified sustainability is a key factor.

“This milestone reinforces ABB’s long-term commitment to Argentina and the region,” Somale said, while congratulating the team led by Adrian Marras and Augusto Cecilia for delivering the pioneering project.

Launched by ABB in 2019, the “Mission to Zero” program aims to achieve net-zero emissions from operations, covering Scope 1 and Scope 2, by 2030. The Bella Vista plant joins certified sites in countries including Mexico, Italy, Germany, Spain, India and Finland, demonstrating that the transition to low-carbon industry is both viable and scalable.