The commitment to a more sustainable future and responsible use of resources is central to the programs of companies and entire nations. But what do the real protagonists of this future, today’s children, think? ABB welcomed students from an elementary school in Lissone to Vittuone to show how important everyone’s commitment to a more sustainable world is and how technologies can help us achieve this.
Credits: ABB Italy
Constantly active in building a sustainable future for people and the environment, ABB stands out not only for its cutting-edge technologies but also for its strong commitment to involving schools and universities in training future generations. The company views education not just as a means to impart knowledge but as a key to unlocking progress, innovation, and responsibility.
“We believe that to generate real change in society and embrace the paradigms of sustainability, efficiency, and energy transition, companies have a very important role and must lead by example,” emphasizes Sara Saltalamacchia, Sustainability Champion Motion Italia. “It’s important to raise awareness on these issues and promote initiatives that involve young people so that they understand the challenges ahead.”
This was the starting point for an ABB initiative aimed at involving elementary school students. At the end of 2023, the Vittuone site welcomed 65 fifth-grade children from A. Moro Primary School in Lissone to inspire and guide them toward greater knowledge of technologies, combined with environmental awareness and excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.
Educating with Innovation
ABB’s approach aims to create an engaging educational experience. The children were taken on a journey into the world of sustainable technologies, exploring how innovation can become a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.
“Elementary school students are a bit different from our traditional audience, but no less interested and hungry for knowledge. It was a great challenge for everyone: firstly for the children, who have to understand how technologies such as motors, drives, and robots not only change our way of living but also our impact on planet Earth,” said Sara Saltalamacchia. “But it was also a wonderful experience for us at ABB, as we found ourselves talking to listeners already sensitive to environmental and social issues.”
Interactive presentations on sustainability and climate change, engaging games, and fun quizzes made this first event an enjoyable and stimulating experience for all.
How do we explain the concept of sustainability in simple words? By starting from the experiences we all, both big and small, live every day: like taking care of our common home, the Earth. “Imagine a world where energy is clean, the environment is respected, and your daily actions help preserve the beauty of our planet: today we are here because we want to build a sustainable future together with you,” was the opening phrase of the meeting.
Interactive games proved to be a powerful tool to engage the children and encourage their creativity. Climate Fresk Kids, a serious game used in its adult version as internal training for ABB Motion, allowed explaining and analyzing the problem of climate change in a more active and immediate way, without long and complex presentations. The quizzes sparked great curiosity, surprising even some of the accompanying adults: for example, how many motors are there in the world? Where are they used? How powerful are they compared to a sports car like a Ferrari?
From elevators and air treatment machines in buildings to pumps that provide us with water every morning, from trains to electric vehicles, the young protagonists discovered how motors are everywhere in the world, and their proper and efficient use represents a first, important step towards a more sustainable world.
At ABB’s Vittuone site, children and teachers also got to know the innovative technologies that make this path to efficiency and sustainability possible. They saw high-efficiency motors and drives in action at the OEM HUB, which, if applied massively, would lead to a 10% saving of the electricity consumed worldwide today. They learned about the excellence of ABB Motion’s Service, leading in the production of explosion-proof medium voltage motors and capable, with its technologies and expertise, of giving a second, more efficient life in a circular economy perspective, to motors and drives already present in plants today. They met Yumi, ABB’s collaborative robot capable of interacting with people and supporting them in production processes.
STEM subjects’ key role
In this educational journey, ABB highlighted the importance of STEM subjects. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are the foundations of innovation. ABB actively collaborates with institutes and universities to promote courses and initiatives that encourage students to explore the potential of these disciplines, opening the doors to careers in various fields.
Pursuing these disciplines is indeed the key to facing and overcoming future challenges.
Educating children about sustainability, climate change, and STEM subjects not only prepares them to face future challenges but also guides them in becoming the true protagonists of a more aware and sustainable society. Community involvement is therefore an essential element of this initiative.
Through collaboration with elementary schools, ABB aims to fully convey the value of education oriented toward sustainable technologies, contributing to the progress of schools and the creation of more stimulating educational environments. Additionally, it aims to train future citizens and professionals capable of making a difference.
“ABB is certainly a pioneer in technology and automation, but this alone is not enough to turn a vision into reality. The future is in the hands of new generations, and we are putting in maximum effort to demonstrate how it is possible to build a better world through everyone’s contribution,” concluded Sara Saltalamacchia.
That’s why ABB, with this project, aims to raise awareness among a highly important group: tomorrow’s adults, who will make the choices that will make a difference for a truly sustainable future. And it is precisely the youngest children, those who have just begun their educational adventure, who have the greatest potential to dream big and learn more and more. Because each of them carries a fundamental piece for building a future where respect for the environment is foremost in our thoughts.
