By Brian Raley
Director of Corporate Environmental, Health, and Safety and Sustainability, GlobalFoundries 

GlobalFoundries (GF) has a long history of sustainability and is committed to corporate responsibility. In 2021, we embarked on a Journey to Zero Carbon. The goal at that time was to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% from 2020 to 2030, even with an expanding global manufacturing footprint. Independent analysts consistently rank our overall ESG performance in the top 10 percent versus our peers. 

Building on that success, earlier this year GF announced two new long-term goals that align with the Paris Agreement on climate change: to achieve by 2050 both net-zero GHG emissions and also the use of 100% carbon-neutral power. (Net-zero is the term for significantly reducing GHG emissions and offsetting any residuals, with the purpose of mitigating global warming and keeping the global rise in temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial times.) 

Those are formidable challenges, but it’s imperative that we meet them for many different reasons. One is that our customers are increasingly choosing to engage with more environmentally responsible suppliers. Another is that more and more people want to work at an organization where sustainability is prioritized. A third driving force is the need to meet ever-more stringent government regulations. Finally, and fundamentally, the world’s health simply depends on it.  

So, how will we get there? I’d like to share with you the outline of GF’s emissions-reduction roadmap to 2050, which has both GF-specific and industry-wide components. Internally, our strategy has two main pillars, and GF’s manufacturing facilities and expansions will be designed, operated and built in accordance with them. Externally, we are collaborating with outside organizations to develop industry-wide solutions. 

Reducing Direct (Scope 1) Emissions from GF’s Sites 

The first pillar comprises opportunities to reduce GHGs by focusing on GF’s direct (Scope 1) emissions, mainly from the manufacturing processes at our worldwide sites. One initiative is to replace some of the heat-transfer fluids currently used in various wafer manufacturing processes with alternatives offering comparable performance but with lower global-warming impacts. 

Another opportunity has to do with the cleaning of the tool chambers in which wafers are placed for processing. GF has hundreds of production tools in its manufacturing facilities globally. Retrofitting many of them so that more environmentally friendly nitrogen trifluoride can be used as a chamber cleaning agent, instead of traditional chemistries, will lead to a significant overall reduction in GHG emissions. 

A third Scope 1 opportunity is to install abatement systems with the capability to capture and treat fluorinated waste gases (i.e., GHGs) from production operations in GF’s legacy fabs. Abatement is the term used for the various systems which treat the gases used in semiconductor manufacturing.  

Reducing Indirect (Scope 2) Emissions 

The second pillar of our strategy addresses the indirect emissions which occur as a result of the production of the electricity that GF’s sites consume. 

First and foremost, we are engaged in finding any and all practical ways to reduce the amount of electricity GF’s fabs require. This has cost benefits in addition to reducing our environmental footprint. However, since we’re aiming for net zero, usage reduction alone ultimately isn’t going to be enough, and so we are working to source lower-carbon/carbon-free electricity sources as well. 

There is no one universal way to do this, because each of our sites has a unique emissions profile related to its electricity usage based on the age of the site, its original design, the infrastructure in place, what the source of power is, the characteristics of the local power grid, and so forth. For example, at GF’s oldest manufacturing site in Burlington, Vermont, the goal is to install solar generating systems and maximize the use of that site’s large campus for solar production to help meet our renewable energy goals. 

But at GF’s newest manufacturing facility, our Singapore expansion that opened in 2023, the goal from the outset was to achieve a good balance between GF’s production requirements, significantly lower energy usage, and the use of lower-carbon energy sources. It is solar-ready by design, to reduce the use of fossil fuels in its electricity supply. 

Taking that a step further, earlier this year GF signed a multi-year power purchase agreement with Keppel Ltd. under which Keppel will provide 150-180 MW of electricity yearly from the forthcoming Keppel Sakra Cogen (KSC) Plant. KSC is expected to be one of the most advanced and energy-efficient power plants in Singapore, enabling GF to reduce CO₂ emissions from its Singapore operations by up to 70,000 tons per year. Also, with the ability to use hydrogen as part of its feedstock, it is expected that KSC ultimately will be able to provide GF with a resilient source of even lower-carbon power. 

An additional Scope 2 strategy is for GF to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates as needed. These represent investments in renewable energy projects that may not necessarily be directly connected to GF’s electricity sources, but which provide an offsetting credit. 

Industry Collaborations 

In a global industry as complex and essential as semiconductor manufacturing, with a large and diverse supply chain, there are industry-wide issues which no one company can solve by itself. Collaboration with others is essential. That is why GF is a founding member of the Semiconductor Climate Consortium, and was the first semiconductor manufacturer to join the IMEC SSTS (Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies & Systems) program. We anticipate that these engagements will lead to solutions to improve the emissions performance of the industry as a whole.  

Learn More 

GF has many opportunities to reduce its direct GHG emissions, to reduce its energy usage, and to remove carbon from its energy sources. To learn more about GF’s Journey to Zero Carbon and our other environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives, please click here to view our 2024 Sustainability Report.

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Brian Raley is the Director of Corporate Environmental, Health, and Safety and Sustainability at GlobalFoundries. Based in Malta, New York, Brian has been with GF since its founding in 2009. He has focused on sustainability efforts in the semiconductor industry for 29 years.   

At the core of GlobalFoundries (GF) operations lies one driving force: manufacturing excellence. With over 7 million square feet of fabrication facilities — equivalent to nearly 95 Liverpool soccer fields — across three continents, GF’s vast manufacturing footprint is central to the company’s mission and success. Leading this critical operation is Chief Manufacturing Officer Pradip Singh who, alongside a dedicated and talented team, ensures the smooth functioning of these fabs and the people who bring them to life every day. 

Singh’s leadership is defined by his open-door policy, passion for storytelling, and a commitment to listening before speaking. These qualities have enabled him to build meaningful relationships and strengthen collaboration across GF’s global network of fabs. This is a key ingredient to a broader story: every member of GF’s manufacturing workforce contributes to the innovation, precision and resilience that drive the company’s success. 

In honor of World Manufacturing Day today, we celebrate Singh’s vision and leadership, which helps guide the collective efforts of our entire manufacturing team. Together, they advance global workflows, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and make GF’s mission a reality in every region where we operate. 

Shaping What’s Essential 

The heart of GF’s operation are the thousands of technicians, engineers and other professionals in the company’s state-of-the-art fabs across the globe, working tirelessly to meet the demand for essential chips that the world relies on to live, work and connect. Despite the highly automated nature of semiconductor manufacturing, human expertise and innovation are critical to every step of delivering for our customers, from initial chip designs, intellectual property security and fabrication, to final assembly and test. 

“These are some of the best and brightest engineering and manufacturing minds in the industry,” Singh said. “It is my privilege to work alongside them, learn from them, and lead them every day.” 

Singh expresses deep gratitude for the experiences that have defined his career and the individuals on his team who are shaping what’s essential — from producing the essential chips that power today’s innovations to ensuring GF continues to lead the way into the future. 

Inside the cleanroom at GF’s Singapore fab 

Manufacturing Excellence on a Global Scale 

With companies serving different end markets across the globe, it is vital to be able to satisfy customer demand for technologies within the region where they are based, Singh said. The GF team has found success in providing trusted and reliable manufacturing of differentiated essential chip technologies, globally and locally, that grows with customer demand. In fact, Singh calls it our team’s “golden advantage,” as it opens the opportunity for GF to serve different markets with the same customer in a way that competitors cannot. 

“We have customers that serve all corners of the world, so GF having the ability to manufacture chips where those customers need them — whether it’s in the U.S., Europe, or Asia — is a critical differentiator for us. Every company wants more resilient and shorter supply chains, fewer intermediaries, and to do business closer to home. As an example, that’s why GF manufactures chips for automotive communications, IoT, and other end-markets in all three of our regions,” Singh said. “The collaboration and cooperation amongst our fabs, our strong capabilities for tech transfers, supplying locally or serving different markets with the same customer, is huge for us. I think it’s our golden advantage.” 

This geographical diversification has been GF’s north star since the company was created in 2009, Singh said, and is represented right in the company’s name. In fact, he said, GF’s approach to semiconductor manufacturing and cultivating a truly global footprint is an advantage that some others in the foundry business have sought and are now taking steps to emulate. 

GF’s global manufacturing footprint spans three continents 

A Career Journey Crossing Continents 

Singh’s career in manufacturing spans over 25 years and multiple continents, starting on the shop floor as a fresh-faced manufacturing engineer in Singapore. Straight out of college, Singh’s career took off when he joined GF through its acquisition of Chartered Semiconductor in 2009. His talent and drive quickly propelled him from Singapore to Dresden, Germany, where he briefly led the lithography team, and eventually to GF’s fab in Malta, New York. There, he started with a single module under his supervision, but soon expanded his oversight to nine departments. 

“Every couple of years, I was entrusted with a little bit more responsibility until I was managing the entire end-to-end manufacturing process,” Singh said. “I used to joke that you couldn’t get a wafer into or out of the fab without passing through a department that reported to me.” 

His expertise caught the attention of GF CEO Dr. Thomas Caulfield, who tasked Singh with an even greater challenge: transforming the Burlington, Vermont, facility acquired from IBM to be more foundry-oriented. This opportunity marked one of the most rewarding chapters in Singh’s career, he said, as he revitalized this fab while reconnecting with the foundations of his work. After three years and feeling that he had maximized his contributions, Singh returned to the Malta NY fab to lead the central manufacturing organization and in early 2024 he was appointed to Chief Manufacturing Officer of GF. 

A wafer manufactured by GF 

The Power of a Global Background in Strategic Leadership 

Singh reflects on his career moves with immense gratitude for the diverse cultural experiences that have shaped his leadership. Today, he channels everything he’s learned from his global journey into his role, optimizing operational excellence across GF’s network of fabs. He said his path had made a “monumental” impact on his career. 

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for the fact that GF has a global footprint,” Singh said. “How many people get the opportunity to work on three different continents, in three distinct and unique cultures? I’m really blessed.” 

Singh has cultivated a deep appreciation for the strengths of each culture he’s experienced. His approach is not just about recognizing the differences, but intentionally blending them to enhance GF’s global operations. Singh’s vision is to harness the strengths of each fab and propagate them across other regional sites, driving consistency in processes while achieving peak performance at every location. 

Under Singh’s leadership, this strategy has already borne significant results, including driving reductions in dynamic cycle times for our fabs, implementing global efficiencies and spending reductions, and ramping up fab capacities through tool and asset optimizations. His ability to merge diverse approaches has enabled GF to operate at its highest level across continents, setting a global standard for excellence. 

Advice for to future engineers 

Reflecting on his professional journey, Singh emphasizes one key piece of advice for young people aiming to build a career in semiconductors or manufacturing: master the art of communication. While technical expertise is undoubtedly essential, he believes that the true differentiator between a good career and a great one lies in the ability to effectively convey complex ideas in simple terms. 

“The problem is that as engineers, or anybody with a technical background for that matter, we tend to go into the weeds when it comes to telling the story,” Singh said. “Too often, brilliant ideas fall flat because they aren’t communicated in a way that decision-makers can understand. The power to articulate technical concepts clearly and persuasively can make all the difference in driving innovation and securing leadership support.” 

If you know him, this advice comes as no surprise. Singh’s penchant for storytelling is central to his leadership style. Whether he’s using anecdotes to motivate the team or a personal recollection to explain a technical point, Singh leverages storytelling as a tool for connection. It’s this ability to engage people on both a professional and personal level that has helped fuel his success — and it’s a skill he believes is invaluable for the next generation of semiconductor engineers, innovators and leaders.  

Innovation is the driving force behind progress. At GlobalFoundries (GF), we’re proud that this force is celebrated, nurtured, and empowered, so much so that GF has now been recognized by Fast Company as one of the 2024 “Best Workplaces for Innovators.” This accolade, specifically in the Science and Technology category, highlights our longstanding dedication to fostering a workplace where creativity and cutting-edge innovation thrive.

Shaping What’s Essential to Build a Legacy of Innovation

For the past 15 years, GF has been at the forefront of the semiconductor industry, creating essential chips that are critical to the technology we rely on daily. From smart speakers to electric vehicles and beyond, GF’s chips are the lifeblood of modern devices that power how we live, work, and connect.

“We’ve made it our goal to empower our global team of innovators — whether they be recent college graduates or veteran engineers — to shape what’s essential in our world,” says Gregg Bartlett, our Chief Technology Officer. “I’m proud that everyone at GF has a hand in driving our mission forward, to manufacture the essential chips the world relies on.”

This spirit of innovation permeates every corner of GF, and it’s reflected in the recognition for achievements like the company’s 22FDX® platform, which boasts up to 50% higher performance and 70% less power consumption compared to other planar CMOS technologies. From AI accelerators to advanced automotive sensors, GF’s dedication to innovation has left an indelible mark on the industries we serve.

Powering Tomorrow with Research and Development

At the heart of GF’s technological advancements is our commitment to research and development (R&D). Through GF Labs, the company dives into some of the most promising technological megatrends, including IoT, 5G/6G, and artificial intelligence (AI). This commitment to R&D is backed by strategic partnerships with academic institutions like such as Purdue University, Georgia Tech, Technische Universität Dresden, the University of Vermont and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

These collaborations not only drive technological advancements but also position GF as a leader in semiconductor innovation. GF’s University Partnership Program, spanning over 50 universities globally, reflects the company’s desire to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications.

“As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to our mission of shaping what’s essential,” said Bika Carter, Director of GF Labs. “Being recognized by Fast Company highlights the collective efforts of our employees and our global university partnerships that are enabling us to push the boundaries of technology and deliver innovative solutions to our customers, partners and the world.”

A Workplace Culture Built on Innovation

Innovation at GlobalFoundries doesn’t stop at technology — it extends to the workplace culture, which is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and inclusion. With programs like Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and the Global Journey Re-Entry Program, GF supports diverse voices and experiences, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute to the company’s innovation agenda. “We believe that innovation thrives in an inclusive environment,” comments Pradheepa Raman, our Chief People Officer. “That’s why we’ve invested in creating a workplace where all our employees, from recent graduates to seasoned engineers, feel empowered to push boundaries and drive technological progress.”

Beyond its inclusive programs, we also offer forward-thinking benefits like a student loan repayment program, providing tax-free assistance up to $28,500, showcasing our commitment to lifelong learning and development.

Innovation Propelled by Our People

The core of our team’s success lies in our people. Every achievement, every advancement, and every milestone is the result of the hard work and ingenuity of GF’s global workforce. From engineers to technicians to business leaders, our team brings their passion for innovation to every task, driving the company forward and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

To learn more about how GF is shaping what’s essential and creating a workplace where innovation flourishes, visit gf.com/careers.

Ken discusses his career from process engineer to Vice President and General Manager of Vermont Operations and Global Facilities, the CHIPS and Science Act and the future of GlobalFoundries’ longest operating Fab

Meet Ken McAvey. Many here at GlobalFoundries (GF) know him as an engineer who now heads up GF’s longest-operating and most storied Fab. But Ken’s roots with GF’s Burlington, Vermont, manufacturing site date back almost 30 years, and his ties to the region, its technology sector and local community run even deeper.

Starting as a process engineer out of college—back when the site was owned by IBM—Ken held various leadership roles until his recent appointment as Vice President and General Manager of Vermont Operations and Global Facilities.

Today, Ken is focused on the future. Following the announcement of GF’s proposed award of funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, we spoke with him about the impact on America’s first and largest Trusted Foundry, the technology it will produce and what it means for the Green Mountain State.

You grew up in Vermont – and have spent most of your career at GF’s Burlington Fab. What was your journey from the start of your professional life to now running this 24/7 operation?

Since beginning my career as a process engineer, I have been fortunate to have had a wealth of opportunities to work in various areas of the business. My experience includes working in manufacturing, process integration, overseeing characterization and integration and handling capacity planning and Technology development.

I also had the privilege of leading the GF Central engineering team, driving best known processes across all of GF’s fabs to achieve optimal results, facilitate effective knowledge sharing and foster innovation. Subsequently, I returned to the Vermont site as the Senior Director of Module Engineering. Today, I have the tremendous honor to serve as the Vice President and General Manager of Vermont Operations and Global Facilities. My success is due in large part to the support and guidance of my great mentors and colleagues, both past and present, who provided me with invaluable opportunities to advance my career.

Running a GF manufacturing site sounds complex – and busy! What does your day to day like?

One of the most exciting aspects of working in the semiconductor industry is that no two days are the same. While we plan our days and weeks in advance, the dynamic nature of the business means that our schedules are constantly evolving. At the core of our operations is a robust management system that ensures we consistently deliver quality products for our customers, on time, while maintaining a thriving workforce. Over the course of a week, our meetings focus on key areas such as quality, cost, delivery and team management, but the dynamic nature of working in a 24/7 factory presents ongoing opportunities for improvement and growth. As a result, our schedules and plans are constantly shifting to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

There’s so much history here at the Vermont Fab – and you’ve been part of a lot of it. As the Fab enters its next chapter, what are you most excited about following GF’s CHIPS Act announcement?

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The proposed investment underscores the vital role that GF’s Vermont Fab plays in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and the industry as a whole. With a 67-year history as the country’s first Trusted Foundry, this award is a testament to the decades of teamwork and innovation that have taken place in Essex Junction. The proposed funding will drive change at the Fab in three key ways:

1. Continuing modernization of the site, including infrastructure, buildings and facility operations.
2. Upgrading semiconductor equipment inside the fab to increase productivity, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
3. Expanding our Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, positioning GF’s Vermont Fab to become the country’s largest 200-millimeter GaN foundry.

Tell us more about GaN and GF’s role in next-generation GaN chips.

Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors are advanced materials used in electronics that offer superior efficiency and performance in power and high-frequency applications compared to traditional silicon. Recently, GF received a $35 million investment from the U.S. government to boost production of these chips for use in sectors like aerospace and defense, cellular communications, industrial IoT and the automotive industry.

This initiative is particularly thrilling as it builds upon our legacy of innovation and highlights our facility’s ongoing contributions to the industry in making essential chips. As we work to establish Vermont as a global GaN hub, we are enhancing our team’s skills and recruiting nationally to attract top talent in GaN technology. Our collaboration with the

University of Vermont is crucial. This partnership leverages GF’s technology and is a testament to our strong local collaboration. Additionally, this summer we completed the acquisition of Tagore Technology’s Gallium Nitride Power business, which includes its extensive IP portfolio and its team of GaN engineers.

Tell us more about the sustainability initiatives that the proposed funding will support.

Being in the Green Mountain State, we are immensely proud of our unwavering commitment to the environment. Through the proposed funding, the Fab is exploring CO2 abatement technology to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as investing in wastewater treatment facilities and solar power on-site. We are also exploring how to maximize the use of our large campus at Fab 9 for solar production and have begun the permitting process for our first phase of buildout. As we work to align our facilities with our environmental goals, this will be a continuation of the environmental leadership our Fab is providing not only across the state, but also the country.

How do you anticipate Vermont’s workforce evolving in the coming years?

We are deeply committed to developing our workforce and fostering diversity through all levels of the organization. Last year, 50% of new college graduates were women. Ongoing efforts to diversify our workforce are bolstered by our partnerships with universities and technical schools. With the additional funding provided by this announcement, we are poised to further drive our workforce development initiatives, attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry.

For you, what has been the highlight of working with the wider Vermont community?

As Vermont’s largest private, for-profit employer, we recognize the significant impact we have on the community and take our responsibility to heart. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and integrated approach to community engagement, both within and beyond our four walls. Our efforts include hosting Lake Champlain’s Chamber of Commerce kickoff, organizing employee events at University of Vermont sports outings and something that I am passionate about – sponsoring the FIRST Robotics Competition. One particularly memorable moment for me was when 23 of our team members bravely plunged into Lake Champlain to raise nearly $19,000 for the Special Olympics!

The outpouring of community recognition following the announcement of the CHIPS investment to GF has been overwhelming. From congratulatory messages on LinkedIn to well-wishers stopping me at the supermarket, the support from the community and state has been truly heartwarming. It truly is a win-win for everyone.

Looking forward, what is your vision for the Fab’s role in contributing to the growing semiconductor industry?

GF’s Vermont Fab is a center of excellence for innovation, leading the world in 200 mm manufacturing, copper interconnects and RF-SOI technology that power today’s smartphones. With the CHIPS Act investment, GaN is set to become the next flagship example of the Fab’s pioneering work in the industry. I’m thrilled to see our site continue its legacy of innovation in the semiconductor industry through our future innovations.