Boeing Amps Up Renewable Electricity to Power Operations

CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2020 /3BL Media/ – Boeing is advancing its pledge to power worksites and manufacturing facilities using 100% renewable electricity with a new, multi-state agreement to purchase carbon-neutral power for its Chicago headquarters, along with other sites in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

“This announcement is another major step in Boeing’s drive to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations by procuring more carbon-neutral electricity in the United States,” said Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond. “These actions reflect Boeing’s commitment to innovate and operate to make the word better.”

Boeing has steadily expanded its procurement of renewable energy in the United States. This agreement moves Boeing closer to achieving its 2025 environmental goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25%. The contract will benefit Boeing by decreasing carbon dioxide emissions by about 50,200 metric tons per year – equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide produced by consuming 5.6 million gallons of gasoline.

“As we celebrate U.S. Energy Awareness Month, we are thrilled to demonstrate that reliable, renewable energy to power our factories and worksites is a sustainable solution for the environment,” said Beth Schryer, vice president of Boeing Facilities & Asset Management.

The carbon neutral electricity will be distributed to several Boeing sites including the company’s headquarters in Chicago as well as Philadelphia, and Heath, Ohio. Those sites will join several others across Boeing in using carbon-neutral electricity including locations in Washington state, Oregon, South Carolina and Arizona, as well as several sites in Texas – Houston, Richardson, Dallas and Coppell.

Boeing headquarters, which will benefit from this plan, has already achieved the highest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum rating, the system used by the U.S. Green Building Council to measure a building’s sustainability and resource-efficiency.

Boeing ranks 17th among the Fortune 500 in its use of renewable energy on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership Fortune 500 Partner List.  

Boeing recently appointed Raymond as its first chief sustainability officer to enhance efforts toward environmental stewardship, social progress and values-driven governance that will make the world a better place. All of these elements are integral to Boeing’s business and span across its people, products, services, communities and operations.  

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.