Chris Raymond
Chief Sustainability Officer, Senior Vice President of Global Enterprise Sustainability, The Boeing Co.
One of Chris Raymond’s most notable recent achievements as chief sustainability officer is the debut of Cascade, a web application that uses digital technical data pulled from across the world to visualize how introducing various sustainable aviation options would lower global emissions.
The tool helps visualize aviation’s climate impact worldwide and calculate the positive impact of decarbonization levers like fleet renewal, operational efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel and new technologies. It’s a data-driven way for Boeing stakeholders to make informed decisions about how to achieve the industry’s net zero 2050 commitment.
Cascade, like any great product, has a team of great people behind it. The Boeing team is made up of individuals from all over the world, spanning more than seven different time zones. They work with government agencies and universities to improve the application.
Why Watch
Boeing has been a pioneer in making Sustainable Aviation Fuels, or SAF, a reality, working with airlines, engine manufacturers and others to qualify and conduct biofuel test flights in 2008 and gain approval for commercial use in 2011. In 2018, Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator flight test program made the world’s first commercial airplane flight using 100% sustainable fuels with a 777 Freighter, in collaboration with FedEx Express.
Today, Raymond and his team are focused on three areas to catalyze SAF scaling: Through subject matter experts and investments in commercial product compatibility work; using SAF for the company’s own fuel use including its recent purchase of 5.6 million gallons of blended SAF to support U.S. commercial operations through 2023; and investing in Cascade and furthering industry partnerships and policy advocacy to scale up SAF and bring down costs.
They are also working on the technical development of SAF capability, aiming to make commercial airplanes 100% SAF capable by 2030.
“Our industry and customers in particular have committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and they are looking to Boeing for solutions,” said Boeing Commercial Airlines President and CEO Stan Deal. “We embrace that commitment and the innovative work that Chris and his team are doing, collaborating across the enterprise and industry, is revolutionizing the future of aerospace to ensure flying is safe and sustainable for generations to come.”