CORSIA, ICAO
Date: 2020-06-03
The Montreal-headquartered U.N International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reports its planned scheme for offsetting emissions from international flights will supplement, not replace, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Under the EU ETS, airline flights between European countries are required to purchase permits to cover some emissions from these trips. ICAO wants the EU to remove these flights from its carbon market so that CORSIA can be the only market-based measure tackling international aviation emissions.

With the UN planning a 2021 launch of CORSIA, its global scheme to help airlines offset their carbon emissions, some EU lawmakers and environmental groups want assurances that the European Commission will not remove aviation from the EU ETS.

CORSIA plans to use a system of offsetting to cap emissions from international flights at 2020 levels. From 2021, airlines would be required to buy carbon offset credits to cover any emissions above the 2020 baseline. Critics say this would allow aviation emissions to keep rising, if airlines bought enough offset credits to cover the increase. (Source: ICAO, Pineville Voice, 2 June, 2020))Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, 514-954-8219, 514-954-6077 -- fax, icaohq@icao.int, www.icao.int; CORSIA, www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  ICAO,  CORSIA,  

EPA
Date: 2020-05-11
In the nation's capitol, the EPA reports its first-ever proposed rule on aircraft greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review.

The proposed rule builds on the EPA's 2016 finding that aviation emissions endanger public health and welfare. Unfortunately, the new rules proposal comes at a time when the airlines are struggling because of the COVID-19 crisis and can ill afford potentially expensive new obligations.

Internationally, the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set its own GHG emissions reductions calling for an emissions freeze to be met through more energy efficient aircraft, increased use of biofuels and other "low-carbon" fuels, improved airline operations or the purchase of approved offsets.

The U.S., an ICAO member, has agreed to impose the freeze in 2021. The freeze, which becomes mandatory in 2027, is calculated on the average of 2019 and 2020, so the baseline is plummeting thanks to COVID-19. The industry now prefers that the baseline be based on 2019 alone, which is much more in line with their initial expectations.

Environmental groups claim ICAO provisions as too weak and oppose the baseline adjustments requested by the airlines and call for "technology forcing" EPA measures that go beyond ICAO. (Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute, 8 May, 2020)Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, www.icao.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICAO,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissiuons,  Climate Change,  

Air France
Date: 2020-05-01
In Paris, the French government is calling on Air France and Air France-KLM to slash its overall carbon-dioxide emissions per passenger-kilometre by 50 pct by 2030, upgrade its fleet with more efficient aircraft, and commit to sourcing 2 pct of its fuel requirements from sustainable sources by 2025, if it is to qualify for the government's recently announced state-backed €4 billion ($4.4 billion) loan.

The loan is dependant upon and in addition to a direct shareholder's loan of €3 billion to the Franco-Dutch airline group. (Source: Various Trade Media, Flight Global, 30 April, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  

Austrian Environment Minister
Date: 2020-04-27
Speaking at a news conference on April 16, the Austrian Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler, noted that any bailout of Austrian Airlines will be conditional upon climate change considerations. The Minister's comments are in response to Austrian Airlines reportedly planning to seek €800 million ($865 million) in state aid. Austria presently levies a charge of €12 ($13) per passenger, but does not impose taxes on aviation fuel, as is the case throughout Europe.

Globally, aviation contributes more than 2 pct of CO2 emissions. (Source: Austrian Environment Minister, Quartz Daily Brief , 24 April, 2020) Contact: Austrian Environment Minister, www.bmk.gv.at/en/ministry/minister.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  

CORSIA, ICAO
Date: 2020-04-10
The West African nation of Benin (pop. 12.2 million) is confirming its participation in the UN affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Including Benin, 83 countries will begin offsetting their international flight emissions when the CORSIA voluntary pilot phase kicks off in 2021. Together they account for 76.64 pct of current international scheduled flights.

As previously noted, ICAO will allow airlines to purchase CO2 offset units from six programs under CORSIA in order to meet its emissions reduction targets up to 2023. The approved schemes include the U.N. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard. Carbon Offsets under the CORSIA mechanism are set to be established using total emissions for 2019 and 2020 as the baseline (Source: ICAO, CAPA, 9 April, 2020) Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, www.icao.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  ICAO,  CORSIA,  

Australian Institute
Date: 2020-04-08
The Canberra-based Australian Institute, a progressive public policy think tank, is estimating global CO2 emissions from the aviation sector could be slashed by 38 pct in 2020 as the industry faces longer-term pressure to become carbon neutral and COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in approximately 10.3 million tonnes of CO2 reduction in global air transport. CO2 emissions during February and March, with the remainder of March likely to show further deep falls," the study found. (Source: Australian Institute, April, 2020) Contact: Australian Institute, www.tai.org.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  

International Air Transport Authority
Date: 2020-04-06
A study from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) is estimating a 38 pct decline in revenue per commercial airline passenger kilometres will lead to a 352.7 million tonne decline in emissions this year, when compared with 2019, as airlines worldwide suspend and/or ground flights in a global effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) energy related global emissions flatlined for the first time in 2019 as economies continue the switch from polluting fuels to cleaner power generation. (Source: International Air Transport Authority, 4 April, 2020) Contact: International Air Transport Authority, www.iata.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IATA,  Aviation Emissions,  

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2020-03-20
The UN affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reports agreement on rules governing the eligibility of carbon offset programs for the initial pilot phase of the aviation industry's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which runs from 2021 to 2023.

Accordingly, the ICAO will allow airlines to purchase CO2 offset units from six programs under CORSIA in order to meet its emissions reduction targets up to 2023. The approved schemes include the U.N. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard. Carbon Offsets under the CORSIA mechanism are set to be established using total emissions for 2019 and 2020 as the baseline.. (Source: ICAO, GreenBiz, 18 Mar., 2020) Contact: ICAO, Secretary General Fang Liu, www.icao.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Carbon Credits,  Aviation Emissions,  CORSIA,  International Civil Aviation Organization,  

Finniar
Date: 2020-03-02
Finland's national airline Finnair reports it is adjusting its voluntary "Push for Change" emissions offset and biofuel programmes which to date have offset nearly 6,900 tonnes of CO2.

Going forward, instead of being voluntary, the company's carbon offset and biofuel purchase schemes will be sold to customers as they order tickets. The cost of offsetting a round trip domestic flight was €1 while European and international return flights cost €2 and €6 respectively.

The collected funds support emissions reduction projects in Mozambique, Africa through the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco), a financial institution founded by governments of the five Nordic countries in 1990. The funds are applied to the purchase of biofuels and emissions reductions projects which support the use of fuel efficient stoves in Mozambique, according to the company. (Source: Finnair, Yle, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: Finniar, www.finnair.com/fi/gb/pushforchange

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  

Heathrow Airport
Date: 2020-02-24
In the UK, carbon neutral Heathrow Airport reports it has cut emissions 93 pct since 1990 after investing £100 million in energy efficiency measures and onsite power generation facilities. Heathrow noted it uses strictly "Clean" energy as needed, purchased carbon credits for 2019-21, and aims to achieve zero emissions from its operations within the next fifteen years.

As we previously reported, Heathrow's four-part action plan to reduce and offset the growth in emissions builds on the momentum of technological change within the aviation industry to make travel more sustainable. The plan outlines action on four key areas including: cleaner aircraft performance and technology; improvements to airspace and ground operations; increased use of sustainable aviation fuels; and developing and promoting new carbon offsetting technologies and options. Additionally, Heathrow is calling on the ICAO -- the UN body for international aviation -- to develop global goals for the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels, and calling for the UK Government to engage ICAO and fellow member states to agree on a 2050 carbon emissions reduction goal for international aviation

Other UK airports and airlines have committed to bring UK aviation to net-zero status by 2050 -- Gatwick Airport claimed carbon neutrality through renewable energy and offsets in 2018 and Birmingham Airport has committed to net-zero by 2033. (Source: Heathrow Airport, PR Feb 21, 2020) Contact: Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, CEO, +44 0 8443 351801, www.heathrow.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Heathrow,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  

Airport Council International
Date: 2020-02-19
In Germany, Munich Airport reports the Airport Council International (ACI Europe), the umbrella organization of European airports, has again recognized the airport for its continuous efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions.

The Munich Airport reduced its directly attributable CO2 emissions from approximately 3.4 kg per passenger in 2009 to around 2.2 kg per passenger in 2018 -- a drop of 35 pct.

The airport documents its emissions in accordance with the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG), the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

The airport plans to achieve additional emissions reductions through innovative technologies, without purchasing carbon certificates, and to achieve ACA certified carbon "neutrality" by 2030. (Source: Munich Airports, PR, 18 Feb., 2020) Contact: Munich Airport, Jost Lammers, Pres., CEO, +49 811 5522128, www.munich-airport.com; Airport Council International (ACI Europe), the umbrella organization of European airports, Airport Council International, www.aci.aero; Greenhouse Gas Protocol, www.ghgprotocol.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Greenhouse Gas Protocol ,  

Etihad Airways
Date: 2020-01-17
The UAE national air carrier, Etihad Airways, reports plans to halve its 2019 net emission levels by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The airline plans to reach its goal through a combination of internal initiatives, collaboration with industry partners, carbon offsets and optimized fuel management. Etihad is also committed to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) biofuelsand is supporting the development of sustainable jet fuel made from municipal waste in Abu Dhabi. (Source: Etihad Airways, Biofuels Int'l. 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Etihad Airways, Tony Douglas, CEO, Groupwww.etihad.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Etihad Airways,  SAF Fuel,  Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

Air France,CORSIA
Date: 2020-01-15
Air France reports its 57,000 passengers per day can now vote on the internationally certified projects that will help offset 100 pct of the carbon emissions of the air carrier's 450 daily domestic flights.

Qualifying projects include a forest preservation project in Brazil's Amazon River delta, a photovoltaic program in Senegal, a biogas production program in Vietnam and others. The program receiving the highest number of votes will, starting this year, be included in Air France's offsetting initiative.

A global carbon offset scheme for international flights is also being introduced and is backed by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (CORSIA) to reduce aviation CO2 emissions by 2.5 billion tonnes from 2020 to 2035. (Source: Air France, AirLine Ratings, 14 Jan., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset,  Aviation Emissions,  CORSIA,  

British Airways,CORSIA
Date: 2020-01-03
Following up on our 11th October, 2019 coverage, British Airways reports it will begin offsetting carbon emissions on all flights within the UK, as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Customers flying within the UK on flights operated by British Airways will have the carbon emissions from their flights offset by the airline and invested in verified carbon reduction projects such as renewable energy, protection of rainforests and reforestation programmes.

In addition, British Airways' carbon emissions on international flights will be capped at 2020 levels through the United Nations' worldwide carbon pricing scheme called CORSIA, (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).

British Airways has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through a range of initiatives, including offsetting emissions, flying more fuel-efficient aircraft, investing in sustainable aviation fuel and changing operating procedures, as well as working with stakeholders and governments to strengthen global climate policy.

The airline and its parent company, IAG will invest a total of $400 million on alternative sustainable fuel development over the next 20 years. (Source: British Airways, PR, 2 Jan., 2019) Contact: British Airways, www.ba.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News British Airways,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  CORSIA,  

Norwegian Airline
Date: 2019-12-09
Norwegian, the low-cost airline reports it will join the UNFCCC's Climate Neutral Now Pledge to measure and report its greenhouse gas emissions, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offset remaining emissions with UN Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

To that end, Norwegian has partnered with the Oslo-based climate company CHOOOSE to make it easy for customers to offset their carbon footprint as part of the ticketing process.

When first selecting a flight, Norwegian informs customers how its flights' emissions compares to industry average. The CO2 emissions calculation is based on the official methodology of the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Council of Clean Transportation (ICCT) and Norwegian's own flight emissions data. Next, customers are offered a simple option to offset their calculated carbon footprint directly in the checkout process. For customers that opt in, offsetting is then performed through carefully selected CO2-reducing clean energy projects in regions Norwegian flies to. The projects are certified by the UN and the Gold Standard. The Gold Standard also includes contributions to other UN Sustainable Development Goals. (Source: Norwegian, PR, 5 Dec., 2019) Contact: Norwegian, Geir Karlsen, Acting CEO, www.norwegian.com; CHOOSE, Andreas Slettvoll, CEO, hey@chooose.today, wwwchooose.today; International Council of Clean Transportation, www.theicct.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offsetting,  Airline Emissiuons,  Aviation Emissions,  

EasyJet
Date: 2019-11-20
In the UK, London-based discount air carrier easyJet reports it is implementing carbon offsetting plans to operate with net-zero carbon emissions across its fleet and flight network. The carbon offset program is expected to start immediately at a projected annual cost of roughly £25 million per year.

EasyJet's scheme exceeds the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) scheme. CORSIA is an emission mitigation approach for the global airline industry, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization and adopted in October 2016. Measures include primarily offsets and "alternative" fuels. (Source: EasyJet, Various Media, Reuters, 19 Nov., 2019) Contact: CORSIA, www.icao.int; EasyJet, www.easyjet.com/en/help/contact

More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  

Qantas Group
Date: 2019-11-13
Australian air carrier Qantas reports it is committed to cap its net emissions at 2020 levels, and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

This includes offsetting all net emissions from Project Sunrise, the carrier's plan to operate non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York, should the project proceed. This will also extend to domestic flying, meaning that growth on key routes like Melbourne-Sydney will be carbon neutral.

Qantas will work with industry, research institutions and governments to develop the long-term solutions to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry over the next three decades. The airline currently operates the largest carbon offset program in the aviation industry, with around 10 pct of customers booking flights on Qantas.com choosing to offset their flights.

This additional investment will see Qantas Future Planet, which is already the largest private sector buyer of Australian carbon credits, support more conservation and environmental projects in Australia and around the world. Existing projects include protecting the Great Barrier Reef, working with Indigenous communities to reduce wildfires in Western Australia and securing over 7000 hectares of native Tasmanian forest.

Additionally, Qantas will invest $50 million over the next ten years to support the sustainable aviation fuel industry and continue to reduce its emissions through continued investment in more fuel efficient aircraft, more efficient operations and smarter flight planning to reduce fuel burn. (Source: Qantas Group, RusTourism News, 11 Nov., 2019) Contact: Qantas Group, Alan Joyce, CEO, (02) 9691 3636, info@qantas.com, www.qantas.com/au/en.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Qantas Group,  Aviation Emissions,  

MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Date: 2019-11-11
In the Bay State, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers are reporting that growth in aviation causes twice as much damage to air quality as to the climate.

The study notes reducing one type of emission can come at the cost of increasing another, either in absolute terms or by limiting potential reductions offered by new technology. The researchers applied the metrics to evaluate the effects of a global expansion in aviation, consistent in magnitude with its current annual growth, then used this as a benchmark for three scenarios: they considered a growth scenario with fuel efficiency increases and reductions in NOx emissions factors consistent with 10-year goals; they evaluated the trade-offs between the climate and air quality impacts of engine-based NOx emissions reductions; re-assessed the climate and air quality trade-offs of jet fuel desulphurization.

According to lead researcher Dr. Sebastian Eastham: "Three components are responsible for 97 pct of climate and air quality damages per unit aviation fuel burn -- air quality impacts of NOx at 58 pct, climate impacts of CO2 at 25 pct, and climate impacts of contrails at 14 pct. It is important to note that 86 pct of the NOx impacts on air quality are due to the emissions from cruise as opposed to the landing and takeoff cycle.

"To reduce the climate impacts of aviation, measures aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and contrails are likely to have the greatest net climate benefit. In contrast, 94 pct of air quality impacts are driven by NOx. This suggests that measures aimed at reducing NOx emissions during cruise could lead to the greatest net benefits", Eastham added.

"Finally, we found the air quality impacts of aviation emissions significantly exceed the climate impacts, with air quality impacts being 1.7 to 4.4 times higher than the climate impact per unit of fuel burn," he concluded. (Source: MIT, Eurasia Review, 10 Nov., 2019) Contact: MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Dr. Sebastian Eastham, Lead Researcher, 617-258-7537 www.aeroastro.mit.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  Climate Change,  

British Airways
Date: 2019-10-11
In the UK, British Airways (BA) reports thet beginning in Jan., 2020, it will offset the carbon emissions from all of its 75 daily domestic flights that collectively emit roughly 400,000 tpy of CO2 Emissions. BA notes that from next year its carbon emissions on international flights will be capped through the UN's offsetting scheme. BA's parent company IAG has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In its offsetting, British Airways will invest in verified carbon reduction (VCR) projects worldwide, including renewable energy, rainforest protection and reforestation programmes. (Source: British Airways, Business Traveler, Oct., 2019) Contact: British Airways, www.ba.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News British Airways,  Aviation Emissions,  CO2,  Climate Change,  VCR,  

Air France
Date: 2019-10-02
In an effort to counteract its climate impact, French carrier Air France reports it will offset 100 pct of the carbon emissions of its 500-odd daily internal flights by 2020, finance projects that support tree planting, forest protection and the global shift to low-carbon energy. The airline will also ban single-use plastics such as cutlery from local flights as from January, 2020, and start separating and recycling waste from October.

The airline industry's carbon emissions, which at 285 grammes of CO2 emitted per kilometre travelled by each passenger, far exceed all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency. Heavy duty transportation -- freight trucking, shipping and aviation -- represent more then 10 pct of global greenhouse gas emissions, says the World Resources Institute, a research body. (Source: Air France, AFP, The Local, 1 Oct., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Air Seychelles
Date: 2019-09-23
Air Seychelles reports it is advancing its corporate social responsibility programme to reduce carbon emissions and reinforcing its commitment towards sustainability.

To that end, the Republic of Seychelles national air carrier is flying new lightweight Airbus A320neo aircraft that reportedly delivers an average 20 pct fuel savings per flight and approximately 50 pct reduced noise footprint and nitrogen oxides (N0x) compared to the fleet of Airbus A320ceo. (Source: Air Seychelles, Aviation Tribune, Sept., 2019) Contact: Air Seychelles Remco Althuis, CEO, +248 439,1000, www.airseychelles.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Footprint,  

International Council on Clean Transportation
Date: 2019-09-20
According to new analysis from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), commercial aviation emissions have increased by one-third since 2013 -- faster than aviation industry predictions and equivalent to the construction of 50 new coal power plants over the last five years.

In 2018, emissions from passenger and cargo aircraft totaled 918 million metric tonnes (MMT), or 2.4 per cent of global emissions.

The US, China, the UK, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates had the highest emissions from passenger aviation, while less developed countries accounted for just 10 pctof all emissions. (Source: International Council on Clean Transportation, Business Green, Sept., 2019) Contact: ICCT, www.theicct.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Council on Clean Transportation,  ICCT,  Aviation Emissions,  

Switzerland
Date: 2019-08-30
In Bern, the government of Switzerland reports it will hike its existing target of cutting it greenhouse gases by 70-85 pct by 2050 to 100 pct carbon neutrality by the same year.

The non-EU member sources about 60 pct of its electricity from hydropower, 33 pct from nuclear and the rest from fossil fuels. Of the total, fossil fuels still make up about 63 pct of which roughly 10 pct is from aviation -- the global average aviation emissions is between 2 and 3 pct. Switzerland's domestic carbon trading scheme includes aviation emissions in the same way the EU ETS system does and the two are linked. (Source: Various Media, EURACTIV, 29 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Neutral,  Aviation Emissions,  EU ETS,  

Delta, Air France, KLM,Vigin Atlantic
Date: 2019-08-05
International Air carriers Delta, Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic report they will offset more than 1,800 metric tons of carbon emissions from more than 15,000 flights to and from Chicago during the 2019 GBTA airline industry trade show. Most of the carbon-offsets will be by way of purchases that fund the International Small Group and Tree Planting program (TIST).

TIST encourages subsistence farmers to improve their local environment and farms by planting and maintaining trees on degraded and/or unused land in India, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. As the trees grow, carbon captured is quantified and verified and certified greenhouse gas credits are sold in the global carbon market. More than 88,000 farmers in four countries have successfully planted 18 million trees and captured nearly five million metric tons of carbon dioxide to date.

Additionally, Delta is now piloting a program to build in carbon offsets for corporate accounts and is looking to expand. Since 2005, delta has cut its carbon emissions 11 pct as part of its goal of achieving carbon-neutral growth and reducing carbon emissions by 50 pct by 2050.

Since 2011 Air France reduced its CO2 emissions by 20 pct(g.CO2/passenger/km). KLM is reducing CO2 emissions by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel and by offsetting emissions and other initiatives. For its part, Virgin Atlantic's "Change is in the Air" program primarily focuses on climate action, supply chain activities and nonprofit partnerships. In 2007 Virgin targeted of 30 pct reduction in CO2 (by passengers and cargo carried) by 2021. (Source: DTNews, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: International Small Group and Tree Planting, www.tist.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Offset,  

Airports Council International Europe
Date: 2019-07-01
Airports Council International Europe (ACIE), which represents over 500 European airports, is reporting passage of a resolution committing the industry to becoming net-zero for carbon emissions under its control by 2050 at the latest , without resorting to carbon offsets. In addition, 194 non-ACIE member airports have individually committed to the same goal, according to ACI Europe.

In 2018, Europe's airports handled a total of 2.34 billion passengers. The new net-zero commitment is expected to eliminate a total of 3.46 million tpy of CO2 emissions as of 2050, the organization says. In 2016 the industry committed to reaching 100 carbon-neutral airports by 2030 (Source: ACIE, Energy Manager, June 28, 2019 ) Contact: ACIE, www.aci-europe.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

SkyNRG, University of Limerick
Date: 2019-06-17
In Ireland, the University of Limerick Bernal Institute reports it has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Netherlands-based SkyNRG to explore the development of sustainable aviation fuel manufacturing in Ireland.

Under the term of the MoU, the Bernal Institute and SkyNRG will collaborate to explore the potential of a regional Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply chain in Ireland and "expand the relationship for research cooperation on environmental, technological, societal and market development of sustainable aviation biofuels in the Irish context." The collaboration emerged from the industry drive for the development of SAF production capacity and an EU-wide call to reduce aviation emissions. (Source: University of Limerick, Limerick Leader, 15 June, 2019) Contact: University of Limerick, Dr. Mary Shire, VP Research, vpresearch@ul.ie, +353 (0) 61 213005, www.ul.ie/research/content/research-office; SkyNRG, Maarten van Dijk, CEO, Merel Laroy, +31 6 3083 3505, merel@skynrg.com, www.sktnerg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SkyNRG,  Aviation Biofuel,  

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2019-05-29
According to Travel Pulse, virtually every U.S.-based airline has voluntarily agreed to the a UN's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) plan that caps emissions at 2020 levels and is administered by the U.N.-affiliated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),

The participating airline majors include Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United as well as smaller airlines like Piedmont and Republic and others.

CORSIA is designed to become mandatory after 2027. ICAO will use 2020 figures to determine the emissions cap. The airline industry as a whole has a problematic record when it comes to carbon footprints, and it was only set to get worse with the expected almost tripling of air travel by 2050. (Source: Travel Pulse, 27 May, 2019) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int; CORSIA, www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News CORSIA,  Aviation Emissions,  International Civil Aviation Organization,  

Aviation Emissions
Date: 2019-05-29
"If global aviation was a country, it would rank in the top 10 (carbon) emitters." -- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICAO news,  Aviation Emissions news,  

Etihad Airways
Date: 2019-05-08
In Dubai, Etihad Airways reports it reduced its carbon emissions by 148,000 tonnes in 2018, as it used more fuel-efficient aircraft to help meet its emissions and sustainability goals. The savings are equivalent to around 1,236 flights between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona, or the removal of over 10,200 cars off the road, the airline said, without qualifying whether the emissions had to do with its reduced fleet size. (Source: Etihad Airways, Gulf News Aviation, 7 May, 2019) Contact: Etihad Aviation Group, Corporate Affairs, +971 50 818 9596, www.theetihadaviationgroup.com, www.etihad.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Etihad Airways,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Transition Pathway Initiative
Date: 2019-03-06
In the UK, research from the London School of Ecobomics, Grantham Institute Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI) suggests climate targets set by 20 of the world's largest airlines are not in line with internationally agreed targets to limit average temperature rise to below 2C, as set out in the Paris Agreement.

The TPI research found none of the airlines assessed had a clear plan for cutting emissions from flights after 2025, with hopes instead pinned on the industry-wide carbon offsetting scheme under which all emissions growth after 2020 would be offset by carbon credits.

According to the TPI research, aviation currently accounts for around 2 pct of all global CO2 emissions, and around 12 pct of transport emissions. Even so, the aviation industry is expanding and could account for for a quarter of total emissions by mid-century.

The TPI is an investor-led initiative which uses analysis from the LSE's Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment to evaluate how prepared firms are for the coming low-carbon transition. (Source: LSE Grantham Institute, Business Green, 5 Mar., 2019) Contact: LSE Transition Pathway Initiative, www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/tpi

More Low-Carbon Energy News Grantham Institute,  Aviation Emissions,  Climate Change,  

EU ETS
Date: 2019-03-01
In London, the UK Energy and Clean Growth Minister Hon. Claire Perry is confirming the government is working on plans to develop a "post Brexit" domestic emission trading scheme [ETS) that could link with the existing EU ETS from January 2021. The UK government is hoping to leave the EU with a Withdrawal Agreement that allows it to remain in the bloc's ETS through to the end of the current trading period at the close of 2020 at which time it would establish a domestic ETS that could integrate with the EU scheme,

According to the Minister, the EU would be keen to integrate the two carbon markets, despite the fact formal talks on the issue will not start until the UK has resolved the current parliamentary stand-off over the Withdrawal Agreement. The UK is one of the largest participants in the continent-wide EU ETS which has been widely credited with helping to drive down emissions across the 28-member bloc.(Source: UK Energy and Clean Growth Minstry, BusinessGreen, 28 Feb., 2019) Contact: U.K. Energy and Clean Growth Minister, www.gov.uk/government/ministers/minister-of-state-minister-for-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Claire Perry,  EU ETS,  Aviation Emissions,  

ICAO
Date: 2019-02-01
"If global aviation was a country, it would rank in the top 10 (carbon) emitters." -- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICAO,  Aviation Emissions,  CO2,  

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2019-01-30
As we previously reported, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is projecting aviation carbon emission could grow seven-fold over the next 30 years -- 70 pct higher in 2020 than they were in 2005. ICAO forecasts that by 2050 emissions could have grown by between 300 pct and 700 pct.

Until recently, aviation had not been central to the climate change debate. Enjoying special status, aviation and shipping were excluded from the landmark Kyoto and Paris climate-change agreements. Urged to produce its own solutions, ICAO introduced a marginally successful global scheme in 2016 and the EU launched its Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) that serve the EU member countries.

A recent EC study of aircraft emissions notes that modern aircraft are 70 pct more fuel-efficient than 40 years ago and that while airlines with the highest load factors produce significantly less emissions per passenger than less successful ones, aviation still consumes 5 million bpd of oil and contributes about 2.5 pct of global emissions and that that 85 pct of carbon offset projects it had evaluated had failed to reduce emissions. (Source: International Civil Aviation Organisation, Irish Times, 29 Jan., 2019) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Civil Aviation Organization,  Aviation Emissions,  EU ETS,  

Heathrow, ICAO
Date: 2018-12-05
In a first for the UK aviation industry, London's Heathrow Airport has revealed its four-part action plan to reduce and offset the growth in emissions from a planned carbon-neutral expansion in summer 2019

Heathrow's plan builds on the momentum of technological change within the aviation industry to make travel more sustainable. The plan outlines action on four key areas including: cleaner aircraft performance and technology; improvements to airspace and ground operations; increased use of sustainable aviation fuels; and developing and promoting new carbon offsetting technologies and options. Additionally, Heathrow is calling on the ICAO -- the UN body for international aviation -- to develop global goals for the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels, and calling for the UK Government to engage ICAO and fellow member states to agree on a 2050 carbon emissions reduction goal for international aviation. (Source: Heathrow Airport, Various Aviation Media, Dec., 2018) Contact: Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, CEO, +44 0 8443 351801, www.heathrow.com; ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICAO,  Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

ICAO,European Commission
Date: 2018-11-07
According to European Commission (EC) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) data, by 2020, global international aviation emissions are projected to be around 70 pct higher than in 2005 and could grow by a further 300-700 pct by 2050.

Under the EU ETS, all airlines operating in Europe are required to monitor, report and verify their emissions, and to surrender allowances against those emissions. o date, the EU ETS is credited with reducing aviation sector's carbon footprint by more than 17 million tpy with compliance covering over 99.5 pct of aviation emissions.

The ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) aims to stabilize CO2 emissions at 2020 levels by requiring airlines to offset the growth of their emissions after 2020. During the period 2021-2035, and based on expected participation, the scheme is estimated to offset around 80 pct of the emissions above 2020 levels. (Source: ICAO, AgriLand, 5 Nov., 2018) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  ICAO,  CORSIA,  

ICAO
Date: 2018-11-07
"If global aviation was a country, it would rank in the top 10 (carbon) emitters." -- ICAO Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICAO,  GHGs,  Aviation Emissions,  

Avantus Air
Date: 2018-10-24
In Oslo, Norway's budget air carrier Norwegian Air is touting new Aventus Air weather service technology to help cut airplane fuel consumption and thus lower air craft carbon emissions.

The Aventus Air weather service provides pilots with accurate wind and temperature information in accordance with their flight plan. The data is transferred to the aircraft's systems to help optimize the flight path for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The company estimates the system could reduce CO2 emissions across the company by as much as 16,000 tpy. The air carrier recently completed a successful pilot test of the technology in collaboration with Swedish developer AVTECH Sweden AB. The project was partially funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. (Source: AVTECH Sweden AB, Norwegian Air, BG, 22 Oct., 2018)Contact: AVTECH Sweden AB, +46 8 544 104 80, www.avtech.aero

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  Jet Emissions,  

Norwegian Air
Date: 2018-10-22
Norway's budget air carrier Norwegian Air is touting its new Aventus Air weather service technology to help cut fuel consumption and thus lower carbon emissions.

The Aventus Air system provides Norwegian Air pilots with accurate wind and temperature information in accordance with their flight plan. The data is transferred to the aircraft's systems to help pilots optimize the flight path for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The company estimates the system could reduce CO2 emissions across the company by as much as 16,000 tpy.

The airline noted the recent completion of a pilot project in collaboration with Swedish developer AVTECH Sweden AB to test the technology. The project was partially funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. (Source: Norwegian Air, BG, 22 Oct., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  

Neste,Air BP
Date: 2018-10-12
Biofuels specialist Neste and aviation fuel supplier Air BP report they are partnering to scale up the fledgling supply chain for sustainable jet fuels made from waste-based feedstocks and will work together to introduce a co-branded sustainable aviation fuel to market at airports through Air BP's global network.

Neste's MY Renewable Jet Fuel has been used in thousands of commercial flights. Similarly, Air BP has supplied its BP Biojet product at 10 airports across the Nordic countries since 2014.

The aviation industry is facing mounting pressure to curb emissions ahead of the introduction of the UN-backed CORSIA offsetting scheme, which is set to impose a carbon price on a growing number of airlines with a view to ensuring the sector delivers on its goals of securing 'carbon neutral growth' from 2020 and cutting net aviation emissions in half by 2050. (Source: Neste, BusinessGreen, Others, 11 Oct., 2018) Contact: Neste, Kaisa Hietala, Executive VP, Renewable Products, +358 10 458 4128, www.neste.com; BP Air, www.bp.com/en/global/bp-air.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neste,  Air BP,  Aviation Biofuel,  Jet Biofuel,  

Transport & Environment
Date: 2018-10-08
According to a report prepared for Brussels-based European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E), the EU will miss its 2030 aviation emissions target by almost 100 million tonnes if it adopts the new, air transport industry backed Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

T&E claims CORSIA would allow airlines to offset emissions growth, rather than necessarily reduce it, and offered only "cheap and ineffective" remedies for emissions, which contribute towards climate change. It also noted that CORSIA would save airlines more than €3bn a year compared with expanding an existing scheme.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN agency that developed CORSIA, said the scheme was one part of "ICAO's basket of measures designed to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation" and that improvements in aircraft technology, operations and sustainable aviation fuels would "achieve the international aviation sector's global goal of carbon neutral growth from 2020."

Beginning in 2019, CORSIA will require airlines to monitor, report and verify CO2 emissions to establish a baseline, before a pilot phase from 2021 to 2023 for volunteer states. From 2027, most of ICAO's 191 member states will have to participate. The EU is aiming to cut GHG emissions by 40 pct from 1990 by 2030. (Source: Transport & Environment, Financial Times, Oct., 2018) Contact: Transport & Environment, www.transportenvironment.org; CORSIA, www.iata.org/policy/environment/Pages/corsia.aspx; ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICAO,  Aviation Emissions,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2018-06-29
Meeting in Montreal, the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reports it has agreed upon standards to support the aviation industry in its preparations to comprehensively report on its carbon emissions and make the transition to low-emission, alternative aviation fuels.

The standards follow a landmark deal signed in 2016 by the 192 member states of the ICAO, designed to control the level of CO2 emissions in the global aviation sector. Beginning in 2019, airlines will report on their fuel and carbon emissions for the first time. This will lead to a five-year voluntary period, starting in 2021, where the industry will make wholesale changes to its fuel consumption, away from fossil fuels towards sustainable alternatives.

From 2027 onwards the rulings will become mandatory across the entire aviation sector. (Source: ICAO, June, 2019) Contact: International Civil Aviation Organization, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Civil Aviation Organization,  Aviation Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Emissions
Date: 2018-05-04
In Germany, Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt airport reports it is establishing new climate protection targets to cut CO2 emissions, not only for Germany's largest airfreight hub but also across the entire group.

The goal is to slash CO2 emissions at Fraport's fully-consolidated group companies by half to about 125,000 tpy by 2030. The new target is based on the national reduction rates agreed to at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference. (Source: Fraport AG, Cargo Airport and Environment News, 3 May, 2018) Contact: Fraport AG, +49 180 6 3724636, www.fraport.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

Etihad Aviation
Date: 2018-04-02
Abu Dhabi, UEA-based Etihad Airways is reporting the elimination of approximately 195,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2017, thanks to numerous improvements aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies, cutting fuel consumption, and flight plan adjustments. The 3.3 pct drop in emissions is tequivalent to 850 flights between Abu Dhabi and London.

The 2017 flight plan adjustments across the network reduced approximately 900 hours of flying time, leading to a saving of 5,400 tonnes of fuel and eliminating approximately 17,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Last year, Etihad Airways also retired several older aircraft in favour of the fuel efficient Boeing 787. (Source: Etihad Aviation, PR, Zawya, 1 April, 2018) Contact: Etihad Aviation Group, Corporate Affairs, +971 50 818 9596, dutymediaofficer@etihad.ae, www.theetihadaviationgroup.com, www.etihad.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  CO2 Emissions,  

UCLA
Date: 2018-01-15
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) reports the launch of a program to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from university business-related air travel. The pilot program, which will run from January 2018 through December 2020, imposes a $9 carbon mitigation fee to domestic round-trip flights and a $25 fee to be applied to international round-trip flights.

Air travel mitigation fees will be added to a fund that a fund that will help finance finance university projects that make a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Air travel emissions account for approximately 5 pct of UCLA's greenhouse gas emissions, and have continued to grow during the last several years. UCLA is a signatory to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, which specifies that each institution decrease its emissions. UCLA's Sustainable Practices Policy also has a sustainable transportation component which includes a guideline regarding business-related air travel greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to a comprehensive carbon neutrality commitment. (Source: UCLA Newsroom, 11 Jan., 2018) Contact: UCLA, Nurit Katz, Chief Sustainability Officer, www.sustain.ucla.edu/airtravelfund , sustainability.ucr.edu/docs/acupcc-ig.pdf; American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, http://secondnature.org/climate-guidance/the-commitments

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

International Council on Clean Transportation
Date: 2017-12-18
A new report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) finds that the aviation industry could cut fuel use and carbon pollution by more than 25 pct by investing in newer, more efficient planes and adopting greater passenger density.

According to the report, aviation presently accounts for about 2.5 pct of global greenhouse gas pollution, and emissions are rising steeply.

Access Up in the Air -- How Airplane Carbon Pollution Jeopardizes Global Climate Goals HERE (Source: Center for Biological Diversity, PR, 14 Dec., 2017) Contact: Center for Biological Diversity, Vera Pardee, (858) 717-1448, vpardee@biologicaldiversity.org, www.biologicaldiversity.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon International Council on Clean Transportation,  Emissions,  Airline Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  

Qantas,ICAO.
Date: 2017-10-16
In the Land Down Under, the Australian airline Qantas reports it will begin using biofuel on its Los Angeles-based aircraft in 2020 and will purchase 8 million gallons of jet fuel during each of the next 10 years from U.S. fuel producer SG Preston. The fuel will be a 50 pct blend of traditional jet fuel and 50 pct fuel made from non-food plant oils. Qantas provides daily flights from Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

A carbon-offset agreement reached a year ago by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) calls for a worldwide reduction in commercial aviation emissions to 50 pct of 2005 levels by 2050. Airlines whose emissions rise above 2020 levels would have to purchase carbon-offset credits, under the ICAO agreement. (Source: Qantas, Travel Weekly, 15 Oct., 2017) Contact: Qantas, +61 02 9691 3636, www.qantas.com; ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int; SG Preston, www.sgpreston.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICAO,  Qantas,  Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  SG Preston,  

ICAO,European Union
Date: 2017-09-18
Last week in Brussels, the European Parliament (EP) voted to place a firm time limit on the continued exemption of intercontinental aircraft emissions from participating in the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), putting it at odds with the more flexible approach backed by the European Commission. The Parliament also voted to reduce the amount of free allowances from 85 pct to 50 pct awarded to airlines under the EU ETS. Revenue from the auctioned allowances is used to fund EU member climate change policies.

The European Parliament also voted to keep aircraft emissions from outside the European Economic Area out of the UE ETS until December 2020, pending the introduction of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2021. CORSIA details HERE. (Source: ICAO, Runway Girl Network, 12 Sept., 2017) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Emissions,  EU ETS,  ICAO,  

NCAA,CORSIA
Date: 2017-09-06
In Ikeja, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reports Nigeria will join the C02 Emissions Mitigation Measures and Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) implementation when the pilot phase of the program takes off in 2021.

The NCAA also reports the country has developed and submitted its State Action Plan to ICAO and Nigeria was joining CORSIA to be able to contribute to solutions for carbon emission. NCAA adds it has developed State Action Plan and measures to address CO2 emissions from international aviation through aircraft technology; operational improvements; sustainable alternative fuel for aviation; and others. (Source: NCAA, ICAO, Gistmaster, 31 Aug., 2017) Contact: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Muhtar Usman, Director General, CEO, +234 1 493 0026, www.ncaa.gov.ng; CORSIA details HERE

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,  

Avinor
Date: 2017-08-18
In Oslo, according to the Norwegian state-owned airport operator Avinor AS Aviation accounts for 5 pct of CO2 emissions in Norway. The agency says it is working with the various airlines that service Norwegian airports to develop more fuel efficient aircraft, introduce jet biofuel and eventually electric aircraft to help cut emissions and address climate change. (Source: Avinor, PR, Aug., 2017) Contact: Avinor, Dag Falk-Petersen, CEO, https://avinor.no/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuels,  Aviation Emissions,  Carbon Emissions,