Ken Weiss: A Legacy in Environmental Leadership and Reynolds Metals Expertise
Ken Weiss is a seasoned professional known for his exemplary environmental consulting and air quality management work. Over a remarkable career spanning several decades, he has demonstrated his ability to lead and grow highly successful consulting practices. He is especially recognized for his contributions at ERM: Environmental Resources Management and his impactful tenure at Reynolds Metals Company, where he managed regulatory compliance and technology efforts. This article delves into the life and achievements of Ken Weiss, highlighting his role in environmental management, his work with Reynolds Metals, and his leadership at ERM.
Early Career and Education
Ken Weiss began his educational journey with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1972. His passion for understanding complex environmental systems and his technical prowess in chemical engineering laid the foundation for a career centred around air quality and environmental compliance. After earning his degree, Weiss continued his education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from Georgia State University in 1977. This combination of technical knowledge and business acumen would serve him well throughout his career.
Ken Weiss at Reynolds Metals Company
Ken Weiss’s journey in the environmental sector started at Reynolds Metals Company, where he worked from 1977 to 1990 as the Manager of Regulatory Compliance and Technology. During this time, Reynolds Metals was a leader in the global aluminium market, known for pioneering aluminium foil, beverage cans, and a robust recycling initiative. The company also played a crucial role in developing environmentally sustainable practices in the metals industry.
At Reynolds, Weiss managed the company’s regulatory compliance and technological advancements, particularly in air pollution control. His deep understanding of the Clean Air Act and other regulatory frameworks enabled the company to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental laws. His work during this time contributed significantly to Reynolds Metals’ reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking enterprise.
Weiss was also involved in New Source Review (NSR), a permitting process under the Clean Air Act that requires industrial facilities to implement modern pollution control technologies when building new plants or modifying existing ones. His expertise in this area made him a sought-after consultant and speaker, helping numerous organizations navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
The Move to ERM: Environmental Resources Management
After a successful 13-year tenure at Reynolds Metals, Ken Weiss transitioned to ERM: Environmental Resources Management in 1990. ERM is a leading global environmental consulting firm with a mission to help companies manage environmental, health, safety, and social risks. At ERM, Weiss was instrumental in building the company’s Air Practice, a division focused on air quality and climate change consulting.
As the founding Partner of ERM’s Air Practice, Weiss demonstrated his leadership skills by growing the division into a global powerhouse, with year-on-year profitable growth for more than 20 years. He worked with various industries, helping them comply with environmental regulations, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Weiss’s expertise in air pollution permitting, particularly in New Source Review and Title V permitting, made ERM a go-to firm for companies navigating complex regulatory challenges.
Leadership in Power and Climate Change Sectors
Ken Weiss’s influence at ERM extended beyond air quality management. He was appointed Managing Partner of the Global Power Sector from 2014 to 2016, where he led the company’s efforts to assist power companies in managing environmental risks. Under his leadership, ERM helped numerous power sector clients reduce their ecological footprint, improve compliance with evolving regulations, and transition to more sustainable practices.
Weiss’s work in the power sector also coincided with a growing global focus on climate change. His ability to integrate environmental considerations into business strategy made him a key figure in helping companies adapt to a low-carbon future. Weiss was at the forefront of the global shift toward more sustainable energy practices, from advising on renewable energy projects to assisting companies to reduce their carbon emissions.
Ken Weiss’s Contributions to Air Pollution Permitting
One of the areas where Ken Weiss made a lasting impact is air pollution permitting. Weiss testified in numerous legal trials and before the United States Congress on air quality issues as a recognised national expert. His expertise in New Source Review and other permitting processes helped countless companies avoid regulatory pitfalls and implement state-of-the-art pollution control technologies.
Weiss’s work in this area was not only about ensuring compliance but also about driving innovation. He understood that environmental regulations, while often seen as burdensome, could be a catalyst for technological advancements that benefit both the environment and business. By helping companies invest in clean technologies, Weiss ensured they remained competitive in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Beyond his consulting work, Ken Weiss has contributed to numerous publications, sharing his knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. He is a contributing author to well-known industry resources such as “Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook” and the “AWMA New Source Review Manual”. These publications serve as essential references for environmental compliance and air quality management professionals.
Weiss has also been a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, sharing his insights on topics ranging from air pollution control to climate change mitigation. His ability to communicate complex regulatory and technical issues in an accessible manner has made him a trusted voice in the environmental sector.
Ken Weiss: A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
Throughout his career, Ken Weiss has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. Whether at Reynolds Metals or ERM, Weiss has consistently championed sustainable practices and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. His work in air quality management, regulatory compliance, and business development has impacted the industries he has served.
Ken Weiss Reynolds Metals: A Foundation for Success
Weiss’s early career at Reynolds Metals laid the foundation for his future success. His work managing regulatory compliance and advancing air pollution control technologies made him an expert. At Reynolds, Weiss was part of a company that excelled in aluminium production and took a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility. This experience proved invaluable as Weiss transitioned to ERM, where he would go on to build one of the most successful air quality consulting practices in the world.
Conclusion
Ken Weiss’s career is a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with solid business acumen. From his early days at Reynolds Metals to his leadership roles at ERM, Weiss has consistently demonstrated his ability to grow successful consulting practices, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and drive innovation in environmental management. His legacy continues to inspire ecological professionals and business leaders alike.
In a world where sustainability and environmental responsibility are increasingly important, Ken Weiss’s work models how businesses can thrive while also protecting the planet.
