APTP Articles

Low Voltage Switchgear Eco Transformation Journey

ABB MNS® switchgear transforms sustainability with verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), digital insights, and lifecycle transparency for smarter, greener decisions.

As a global leader in electrification and automation, ABB is committed to accelerating the energy transition and promoting sustainability through transparent, data-driven decision-making. This article introduces MNS switchgear through ABB’s EcoSolutions™ program, which empowers customers to make informed decisions that support low carbon, resource-efficient future. 

EPDs- New license to operate

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a globally recognised environmental document which provides comprehensive, transparent information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. EPDs follow international standards and may be verified by independent third parties, which increases their credibility and comparability. Type III EPDs are independently verified and follow international standards (ISO 14025). These declarations are published by Program Operators who define Product Category Rules (PCRs), validate the data, and ensure credibility. Type III EPDs provide comprehensive, third-party verified information, making them a reliable tool for stakeholders seeking sustainable solutions.

ABB MNS® Switchgear and Digital Solutions

ABB applies Type III EPDs to its MNS® Low Voltage Switchgear to make environmental performance transparent. These EPDs provide verified information about its environ-mental impact throughout its lifecycle, helping customers make informed decisions and achieve sustainability goals.

All MNS Type III EPDs are publicly available in PEP Ecopassport Program Operator web* and covers the entire lifecycle from “Cradle to Grave”. These EPDs are publicly accessible and include data on manufacturing sites and component-level impacts. ABB’s digital solutions, such as MNS Digital and ABB Ability™, enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization, helping customers reduce CO₂ emissions and operating costs.

Circularity and Sustainability Goals

ABB is transitioning to circular business models that minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. Their Circularity Approach spans the entire product lifecycle—from design and sourcing to production, usage, and end-of-life services. By 2030, ABB aims to apply this approach to at least 80% of its products and systems and eliminate landfill waste from its operations wherever feasible.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Central to ABB’s sustainability strategy is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a methodology that evaluates the environmental impact of a product across its entire lifecycle. LCAs help identify environmental hotspots, validate sustainability claims, and guide design improvements. The insights gained from LCAs are used to create EPDs, which offer a transparent snapshot of a product’s environmental footprint.

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