ABB India has secured Gold-level certification under the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard for its manufacturing campus in Nelamangala, marking a major milestone in industrial water stewardship and sustainable manufacturing practices.

The certification aligns with India’s National Water Policy and broader goals to improve industrial water-use efficiency while reducing dependence on groundwater. With this achievement, ABB becomes the fourth company in India—and the first in the automotive, electrical equipment and machinery production sector—to receive the stakeholder-driven recognition.

The certification process involved structured engagement with multiple external stakeholders, including suppliers, non-governmental organisations, local communities, regulatory authorities and neighbouring industries. These interactions supported the assessment of shared water risks and helped align site-level initiatives with community and catchment priorities.

ABB’s Nelamangala campus, which employs more than 1,800 people across several divisions and spans approximately 56,000 sq. m., was evaluated on key parameters such as water governance, sustainable water balance, water quality and shared catchment outcomes. According to The Energy and Resources Institute, industrial water use in India accounts for around 8–10% of total freshwater withdrawal, with demand projected to rise significantly by 2050, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices.

The facility has reported several key achievements, including replenishing nearly 1.25 times more water than it consumes and recycling about 85% of treated water within the plant. It also has an annual rainwater harvesting potential exceeding 200 million litres and has engaged 44 local suppliers in sustainable water management initiatives.

Commenting on the recognition, Saju SR, Senior Vice President, Smart Power Division, ABB India, said the certification reflects the company’s focus on groundwater recharge, transparent governance and stakeholder collaboration, demonstrating that industrial growth can be decoupled from freshwater dependence.

In addition, ABB has partnered with Third Planet Foundation to implement groundwater recharge programmes across 70 villages in Nelamangala, supporting long-term water security for local communities and agriculture while promoting regional water resilience.