Aviation is an important sector of the global economy, but it is also one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases (GEE). As discussed in the previously published article, to reduce your emissions, the sector is investing in new technologies, like SAF, o Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
SAF is a fuel produced from renewable sources, like biomass, waste or hydrogen and CO2. It can reduce aviation GHG emissions by up to 80%, compared to fossil kerosene.
A RSB, a Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, is a global organization that promotes the sustainable production of biomaterials, including SAF. RSB certification ensures that SAF is produced responsibly and sustainably, respecting environmental criteria, social and economic.
SAF production is still a developing sector, but its potential to reduce aviation emissions is significant. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) estimates that SAF could represent up to 65% from aviation fuel to 2050.
The importance of the partnership between SAF and RSB
The partnership between SAF and RSB is fundamental to ensuring the sustainability of aviation. SAF is a promising fuel for reducing emissions, but it is important to ensure that it is produced in a responsible and sustainable way.
RSB certification ensures that SAF is produced to the highest sustainability standards. It helps ensure they produce from renewable sources, that does not cause deforestation or other negative environmental impacts.
The partnership between SAF and RSB is also important to promote the development of the SAF market. RSB certification provides consumers with assurance that the fuel is sustainable, which can stimulate demand.
RSB CORSIA certification: a fundamental step towards sustainable aviation
The Certification CORSIA by RSB it is like a quality seal that guarantees that the SAF produced is sustainable. It is a fundamental step towards sustainable aviation, as it helps to ensure that they produce the fuel responsibly and that it contributes to reducing emissions.
Certification is like a light that illuminates the path to a more sustainable future for aviation. It is a guarantee that the sector is working to reduce its emissions and contribute to protecting the environment.
Flight Plan for Aviation Biofuels in Brazil and Current Events for SAF
The aviation industry is committed to reducing its environmental impact, with carbon-neutral growth targets and a reduction in 50% in CO2 emissions up to 2050.
In 2013 a Boeing e a Embraer, leaders in aviation, came together to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in air transport, focusing on replacing fossil fuels with sustainable biofuels.
The airlines formed the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG) to contribute to the development and commercialization of sustainable biofuels.
Brazil, known for using biomass for energy, like wood, sugar cane ethanol and biodiesel, representa 30% of its energy matrix with bioenergy. The country achieved this through long-term policies, investment in research and human resources training.
The program has the support of several Brazilian Universities and sponsors, like RSB. It is worth mentioning that in the month of August, the second edition of the Boeing Sustainability Forum was held & RSB in aviation, with the participation of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). The main point of the event was the theme of ESG(environmental governance, social and corporate) focusing on the environmental part, especially on the issue of sustainable aviation fuels (PURE). There was broad participation from the sector, with debate between airlines, researchers, financial institutions and biofuel producers. ANAC director Ricardo Catanant presented the Agency's sustainability initiatives, making it clear that “SAF is the main response to the sector’s effective energy transition”.
It was concluded, unanimously, that Brazil has potential not only for the production of SAF, but also to lead the energy transition in aviation thanks to its expertise in biofuels and great biodiversity.
ReFuel EU
The European Union (EU) developed a new regulation called “Aviation ReFuelEU” with the aim of reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in the sector. This initiative, part of the “Fit for 55” package, aims to increase demand and supply of sustainable aviation fuels (PURE) across the EU, reducing CO2 emissions compared to fossil kerosene. This also aims to establish fair conditions of competition in the air transport market.
The regulation establishes progressive targets for the incorporation of SAF and synthetic fuels, with the aim of achieving 70% of SAF and 35% from synthetic fuels to 2050. Furthermore, requires aircraft operators to ensure the majority of their fuel is from sustainable sources to avoid additional emissions due to extra weight.
A range of eligible sustainable fuels includes certified biofuels, non-biological renewable sources and recycled carbon, meeting sustainability criteria. The regulation also provides for environmental labeling to inform consumers about the environmental performance of aircraft operations using SAF.. In this sense, once again we see the importance of certifications such as RSB CORSIA, among other certifications that guarantee safe and reliable production of SAF and correct use of raw materials.
After adoption by the EU Council, the regulation will come into force in January 2024, with the specific provisions coming into force on 2025. This initiative is part of the EU's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% until 2030 and achieve climate neutrality in 2050.
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