W.L. Gore’s Cross-Functional Environmental Progress

In this episode of Plugged In, Raj Bazaj, Vice President of Sustainability Solutions at Constellation, sits down with Ryan Kelley, Global Carbon Footprint Reduction Champion at WL Gore & Associates, a global materials science company spanning thousands of products including high-performance fabrics. Kelley shares Gore’s path to achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2025, their early success in emissions reduction, and the importance of cross-functional collaboration in driving progress. He highlights the company’s 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions ahead of schedule, the decision to raise its 2030 target to 80%, and the role of energy efficiency, electrification, and new materials in achieving progress. He also discusses Gore’s use of advanced energy modeling, its efforts to explore circular business models, and how being both a brand and manufacturer amplifies its impact across the supply chain. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Ryan’s transition into sustainability leadership (00:48) Gore’s carbon reduction goals and Scope 1 and 2 strategy (03:58) Gore’s breakthrough success in Asia (05:58) Achieving reduction goals and raising the 2030 goal to 80% (09:11) Gore’s energy efficiency initiatives (11:18) Integration of new materials into emissions progress (13:29)  Scope 3 emissions and supply chain (19:55) On-site renewable projects and growth potential (21:12) Gore’s community-led green initiatives (26:50) Connect with Ryan Kelley On LinkedIn Ryan Kelley leads carbon reduction efforts at W.L. Gore & Associates, focusing on Scope 1 and 2 emissions through energy efficiency, renewable power, and electrification. He holds an electrical engineering degree from Penn State, is a registered Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager, and lives in Landenberg, PA, with his family. Ryan is committed to applying engineering principles to create practical solutions for sustainability and climate change, with the objective of making a positive, lasting impact on the planet. Connect with Raj Bazaj On LinkedIn Raj Bazaj began his energy career in 2005 with WPS Energy Services (later Integrys), which was acquired by Constellation in 2014. He currently leads efforts to develop strategic partnerships, including a multi-year agreement with Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village in Canton, OH. In addition, Raj has been an active member of the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), participating in leadership summits under both the Obama and Trump administrations.   Connect with Constellation Follow Constellation on LinkedIn Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Follow Abinav Krishna on LinkedIn Follow Raj Bazaj on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected].