The aviation industry faces significant challenges when it comes to environmental sustainability. Carbon emissions from flight operations have a considerable impact on the environment. In 2020, civil aviation was responsible for 2,4% of global GHG emissions. To mitigate the environmental impacts of aviation, it is necessary to reduce the sector’s GHG emissions. One of the main paths to this is the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels (PURE).
What is SAF?
O SAF, or Sustainable Aviation Fuel, is a type of fuel designed for aviation that aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with airline operations. Unlike conventional aviation fuels, SAF is produced from renewable and sustainable sources, like biomass, vegetable oils and other low-carbon resources, meeting CORSIA sustainability criteria. This approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes the environmental impact of aviation.
SAF is a “drop-in” fuel, that is, can be used interchangeably with conventional jet fuel in jet engines. This means that it is not necessary to make significant changes to existing aircraft for them to be able to use SAF..
Benefits
SAF has a number of advantages over conventional jet fuel, including:
- Reduction of GHG emissions: SAF can reduce GHG emissions by up to 80%, compared to fossil kerosene;
- Reduction of particle and sulfur emissions: SAF also reduces particle and sulfur emissions, that are harmful to human health and the environment;
- Reducing dependence on fossil fuels: SAF is produced from renewable sources, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
The Challenge of Sustainability in Aviation
Aviation is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). Even though modern planes are more fuel efficient than ever before, growing demand for air travel raises concerns about rising emissions. This is where SAF plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions.
Fuel development still faces challenges regarding high cost and limited-scale production.
ISCC CORSIA: Certification for Sustainable Fuels
Launched in 2016, during ICAO assembly, or LANE, ou Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, is a global initiative created to mitigate carbon emissions from international aviation. CORSIA requires airlines to offset their CO2 emissions through the purchase of carbon credits.
ISCC CORSIA is a certification system that focuses on sustainable SAF production. It sets rigorous standards for the sustainability of aviation biofuels, ensuring they are produced in an environmentally responsible manner and meet CORSIA emissions reduction targets.
ISCC EU: Sustainability in the European Union
The European Union (EU) is a region that is strongly committed to promoting sustainability in all areas, including aviation. ISCC EU is the European Renewable Energy Directive, applicable to all Member States of the European Union. It aims to promote the use and set targets for renewable energy shares in the EU by establishing sustainability and GHG criteria for liquid fuels, solids and gases.
Benefits of SAF Certified by ISCC
The use of SAF certified by ISCC brings several benefits:
- Emissions Reduction: Using SAF significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional aviation fuels, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Sustainability: ISCC certification ensures that SAF is produced sustainably, promoting the conservation of natural resources.
- Regulatory Compliance: Using certified SAF helps airlines comply with global and regional regulations, such as CORSIA requirements in international aviation and EU sustainability goals.
- Image Enhancement: The use of SAF demonstrates airlines’ commitment to sustainability, which can be an important differentiator in a market that is increasingly environmentally conscious.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (PURE) plays a fundamental role in the search for more sustainable aviation. ISCC CORSIA and ISCC EU certification ensures that SAF producers produce responsibly and meet rigorous sustainability standards. Adopting these certified fuels, the industry is moving in the right direction to reduce environmental impact and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
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