Inside Oiartzun: ABB's First Zero-Emissions Site in Spain

ABB has reached a major sustainability milestone after its Oiartzun factory became the first ABB site in Spain to achieve zero operational emissions under the company’s global Mission to Zero programme. 

The 110-year-old facility produces wiring accessories and smart home solutions and now stands as a national benchmark for industrial decarbonisation and cleaner manufacturing.

Zero operational emissions

The Oiartzun site now runs on 100% renewable electricity, supplied through on-site generation and certified sources, while eliminating fossil fuel use from its operations. 

More than 580 kWp of photovoltaic capacity supports energy demand and the facility has added EV charging infrastructure to accelerate ABB’s shift towards electrified operations.

“Achieving zero operational emissions at our Oiartzun site marks another important step on ABB’s Mission to Zero journey,” says Mike Mustapha, President, ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings Division. 

“As our first facility in Spain to reach this milestone and one of many sites worldwide advancing toward the same goal, it shows how we are turning ambition into action: electrifying our operations, embedding circular design and using digital energy management to make decarbonisation real. 

“Through this progress, we aim to set a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing and help customers accelerate their own transition to net zero.” 

Circularity and energy reduction

Since 2019, the factory has reduced energy consumption by 42% through a roadmap focused on electrification, automation, heat recovery and process optimisation. 

ABB building automation and energy management technologies help optimise lighting, heating and power distribution, while ABB eLink provides real-time monitoring to improve performance and support faster operational decisions.

Alongside decarbonisation, Oiartzun has strengthened its approach to efficiency and circularity, holding ISO 50001 certification for energy management and achieving Zero Waste to Landfill status. 

Under ABB’s EcoSolutions framework, products are designed and verified to meet environmental standards, including wiring accessories that use up to 95% recycled materials in painted finishes and incorporate 100% recyclable switch inserts.

Community partnerships and a wider Mission to Zero network

The factory’s sustainability strategy also relies on collaboration with technology centres, suppliers and circular economy forums to drive continuous improvement and stay aligned with changing market expectations. 

Locally, employees lead community initiatives through Aukerak Sortzen ("Creating Opportunities"), supporting projects such as beach clean-ups, blood donation campaigns and programmes promoting local food and the Basque language.