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,  

Virgin Atlantic,LanzaTech
Date: 2017-06-28
UK air carrier Virgin Atlantic and its sister company Virgin Holidays are reporting a 22 pct cent reduction in aircraft carbon emissions over the last nine years. Total aircraft CO2 emissions across the two companies have reduced from 5,218,451 tonnes in 2007, to 4,082,195 tonnes in 2016.

According to Virgin, the savings are largely a result of a multi-billion dollar fleet investment in Boeing 787 aircraft, as well as a range of fuel saving initiatives such as single engine taxiing, real-time weather technology which helps pilots make smarter route choices, and rigorous weight management of all products on the aircraft, and other initiatives. Virgin Atlantic also pointed to carbon-reducing initiatives including a partnership with "clean tech" company Lanza Tech to create low carbon fuel through the recycling of carbon in waste industrial gases, and the carrier's order of 12 fuel-efficient Airbus A350-1000s due to enter service from 2019. (Source: Virgin Atlantic, Business Traveler, 26 June, 2017)Contact: Virgin Atlantic, Craig Kreeger, CEO, www.virgin-atlantic.com; LanzaTech, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, (630) 439-3050, jennifer@lanzatech.com, www.lanzatech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LanzaTech,  Aviation Emissions,  Virgin Atlantic,  

EasyJet
Date: 2017-05-15
EasyJet, the British budget airline out of London's Luton Airport, claims to have cut carbon emissions to below 80 grams for each kilometer traveled by passengers for the first time. The carrier has now set a target of trimming these emissions further to around 77 grams by 2020, which would represent a reduction of more than 33 pct in 20 years.

The airline cited improving technology and a long-term focus on reducing weight and improving operating efficiency for the cut.

Looking forward, the airline is developing a hybrid plane concept which would use hydrogen fuel cell technology to further reduce carbon emissions. The zero-emissions system allows energy to be captured as the aircraft brakes on landing and is used to charge the system's lightweight batteries when the aircraft is on the ground similar to a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The low-emissions energy can then be used by the aircraft when taxiing without needing to use their jet engines. (Source: EasyJet, TravelWeekly, 12 May, 2017) Contact: Easy Jet, corporate.easyjet.com

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

Air Canada, the National Research Council of Canada
Date: 2017-05-08
Air Canada and the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada are reporting their collaboration on the Civil Aviation Alternate Fuel Contrail and Emissions Research Project, a research project to test the environmental benefits of aviation /jet biofuel. The NRC-led project will measure the environmental impact of biofuels on aircraft contrails -- the trails of water vapour produced at high altitude through the interaction of hot engine exhaust with a cold atmosphere.

During the test period that began last month and that is still underway, selected Air Canada flights between Toronto and Montreal, will by powered by biofuel produced by AltAir Fuels from used cooking oil. The test flights are being followed by a modified CT-133 research jet which samples and tests the contrail biofuel emissions.

Recent research led by NASA in the United States has found that biofuels can cut particle emissions from jet engines by 50 pct to 70 pct. A reduction in the thickness and coverage of contrails produced by the jet engines of aircraft could reduce aviation's impact on the environment, an important beneficial effect of sustainable biofuel usage in aviation.

Download NASA Study Confirms Biofuels Reduce Jet Engine Pollution HERE. (Source: Air Canada, National Research Council Canada, EcoLog, PR, 5 May, 2017)Contact: National Research Council Canada, (902) 426-8250, www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/index.htm; Air Canada, Peter Fitzpatrick , (416) 263-5576, peter.fitzpatrick@aircanada.ca, www.aircanada.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Air Canada ,  National Research Council of Canada,  Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  Aviation Emissions,  

Date: 2017-03-27
In the UAE, Dubai International (DXB) and the Dubai World Central (DWC) Airports report that efforts to cut their carbon footprints in 2016 saved 5.17 million kWh of power -- sufficient power for 235 homes for a full year.

The savings are the result of a range of initiatives including installation of solar panels and energy management equipment, participation in Earth Hour and World Clean Up Day, LED lighting, occupancy sensors, optimization of chiller plants, energy saving variable frequency drives for pumps and other technologies and initiatives.

The two airports are the first in the GCC states and two of 56 internationally to achieve Level 2 ACI accreditation. (Source: Emirates News Agency, Airport Carbon Accreditation, 22 Mar., 2017) Contact: Airport Carbon Accreditation, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

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

NASA
Date: 2017-03-24
In a recent study, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center has found that Using a biofuel mix to power jet engines reduces particle emissions in their exhaust by as much as 50 to 70 pct compared to conventional fuels. The new research results were derived from a test series using a DC-8 flying at altitudes up to 40,000 feet while its four engines burned a 50-50 blend of aviation fuel and a renewable fuel produced from camelina plant oil.

The formation of contrails is key to aviation's impact on climate change, according to NASA. Contrails are produced by hot aircraft engine exhaust mixing with the cold air at cruise altitudes, and are composed primarily of water in the form of ice crystals. Persistent contrails can create long-lasting, and sometimes extensive, clouds that would not normally form in the atmosphere, and are believed to be a factor in influencing Earth's environment.

NASA plans to continue these studies to understand and demonstrate the potential benefits of replacing current fuels in aircraft with biofuels. NASA also said it plans to demonstrate biofuels using their proposed supersonic X-plane. (Source: NASA, AVWeb, 21 Mar., 2017) Contact: NASA, Richard H. Moore, Scientist and Report Author, (717) 433-8259, www.nasa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NASA,  Aviation Biofuel,  Climate Change,  Aviation Emissions,  camelina,  

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2017-03-08
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council reports it has adopted a new aircraft CO2 emissions standard which will reduce the impact of aviation greenhouse gas emissions on the global climate.

The new standard will be applicable to new aircraft type designs beginning in 2020, as well as to aircraft type designs in-production as of 2023. Presently in-production aircraft which by 2028 do not meet the standard will no longer be able to be produced unless their designs are modified in accordance with the standard, according to a ICAO release.

ICAO's adoption of the new standard follows last October's agreement on the new Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). (Source: ICAO, Avionics, Others, 6 Mar., 2017)Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

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

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2017-02-06
The European Commission (EC) reports it is amending the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to better tackle aviation industry CO2 emissions. The amendment follows an agreement by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to stabilize international aviation emissions.

At the 2016 ICAO Assembly, the European Union and its member states played an instrumental role in securing a deal on a global market-based measure to stabilize international aviation emissions. The system will require airlines to monitor and report their annual CO2 emissions on international routes and offset those exceeding 2020 levels.

The EC is proposing to continue with the current geographic scope of the EU ETS for aviation, covering flights between airports in the European Economic Area. The roposal to revise the EU ETS will be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council, which are expected to finalize the co-decision process before the year end.

Detailed rules of the Global Market-Based Measure will be prepared in 2017 and endorsed by ICAO in the course of 2018. The EU is committed to reduce domestic economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 pct by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. (Source: International Civil Aviation Organization, EU, Press Release, 3 Feb., 2017) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

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

Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Date: 2017-02-01
The Athens International Airport reports it has landed Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACI) Level 3+ carbon neutral status. Across the four available levels of the ACI programme, there are currently 180 airports accounting for 37.3 pct of global passenger traffic, working to address their CO2 emissions.

The Athens Airport was among the first airports to invest in solar technology as a source of clean, sustainable power. It was also among the early adopters who became accredited in the very first year of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (2009), renewing and successfully upgrading its certification over the intervening years. (Source: Athens International Airport, Airport Business, 30 Jan., 2017) Contact: Athens International Airport, Dr Yiannis Paraschis, CEO, +30 21 053 0000, www.aia.gr; Airport Carbon Accdeditation, www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

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

Airlines UK
Date: 2017-01-18
The London-headquartered Association of UK Airlines (Airlines UK), the trade body representing UK-registered airlines, has issued a report detailing four areas of work to help reduce aviation carbon emissions. The organization id calling for; the continued introduction of new aircraft; greater fuel efficiency; the use of sustainable fuels; and support for international carbon trading and offset schemes.

The report considers each of these four areas in turn, explaining industry activity, progress and initiatives:

UK airlines have introduced more than 470 aircraft into service with orders placed for another 400. These new aircraft offer at least a 13 pct improvement in fuel efficiency.

Airlines, with their industry partners, are also working hard on other ways to create greater fuel efficiency. These initiatives include making aircraft fly more direct routes, with an uninterrupted climb and descent, while also having aircraft taxi on the ground without all their engines running.

Sustainable aviation fuels developed from waste produced from domestic, commercial and industrial processes also offer opportunities. The report endorses the conclusions of the Sustainable Aviation 'Sustainable Fuels Road Map' and welcomes recent government consultation on including sustainable aviation fuels in its updated renewable transport fuel policy.

Once all of the airline initiatives to cut CO2 emissions have been exhausted, some form of carbon offsetting scheme will still be required to meet lower CO2 emission goals. Globally, airlines now have a target to cut CO2 emissions from all journeys by 50 pct of their 2005 levels, by 2050.

The report sets out the following requests for government backing to help the aviation industry meet its aspirations of carbon reduction:

Prioritize and support industry efforts to deliver airspace modernization;

Include airspace, as a critical part of the UK national infrastructure which requires long-term strategic decision making by the National Infrastructure Commission;

Deliver legislation for including all sustainable aviation fuel producers in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation;

Provide a clear long-term policy to encourage UK sustainable aviation fuel production;

Work with the industry to avoid duplication or competitive distortion for UK airlines between global and regional aviation carbon trading and offsetting schemes;

Start negotiations with other countries on how the new carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation will deliver a halving of global airline net CO2 reductions by 2050;

Continue to invest and support the UK aerospace industry to deliver affordable, new aircraft technology and grow the number of high value jobs in the UK.

According to Airlines UK, "UK airlines have invested in more than 470 new aircraft since 2005, at a cost of over £37 billion, helping the industry reduce its carbon emissions by 20 million tonnes." (Source: Airlines UK, Travel Weekly, 16 Jan., 2017) Contact: Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade, CEO, +44 20 7808 7111, info@airlinesuk.org, http://airlinesuk.org

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

International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2016-12-05
In New Delhi, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation reports it has opposed capping of aviation emissions at 2020 level as outlined at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly in October Montreal, on the grounds that such a move would have an adverse affect the growth of the sector in developing countries. The emissions from Indian scheduled airline were pegged at an estimated 14.6 million tonnes in 2015.

In September 2013, ICAO took a decision to develop a GMBM scheme to limit aviation sector CO2 emissions by way of participants offsetting their carbon emission above an agreed level by emission trading. The GMBM is aimed at making essential contributions towards aviation sector's goal of carbon neutral growth from 2020 onward. While the airline industry agreed on this framework for reducing its carbon footprint to tackle climate change, India along with China and Russia balked at the resolution. (Source: Indian Express, Various Others, 1 Dec., 2016) Contact: ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

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

Date: 2016-12-05


More Low-Carbon Energy News Jet Biofuel,  Aviation Biofuel,  Aviation Emissions,  SG Preston,  Renewable Diesel,  

Airlines for America,International Civil Aviation Organization
Date: 2016-11-04
According to the airlines trade organization Airlines for America (A4A), "the cost of complying with the carbon-offsetting scheme the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) approved last month will be 'manageable' and preferable to any national or regional effort to regulate aviation emissions."

Last month in Montreal, ICAO approved a carbon-offsetting strategy designed to cap international airline flight CO2 emissions growth after 2020. As of October 12, 66 of 191 member nations had agreed to participate in the voluntary pilot phase of the global market-based measure scheme, with India and Russia among notable hold-outs. The participating nations represent 86 pct of international air traffic, according to ICAO. (Source: A4A, 2 Nov., 2016) Contact: A4A, Nancy Young, VP Environmental Affairs, www.airlines.org; ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

More Low-Carbon Energy News Airlines for America,  Aviation Emissions,  America,  International Civil Aviation Organization,  

Lufthansa,DB Schenker
Date: 2016-10-21
Oct 18, 2016: DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo reports they are partnering to save 20,000 tonnes tpy of air transport related CO2 emissions. Both companies have already saved 10,000 tonnes and another 10,000 tonnes should follow by 2020. This intention has been endorsed by the Carbon Reduction Agreement entered into by the partners in 2015.

Approximately 40 pct of all direct and indirect CO2 emissions at DB Schenker result from air cargo, according DB Schenker. (Source: DB Schenker, Strait Times, Air Cargo News, 18 Oct., 2016) Contact: DB Schenker, www.dbschenker.com; Lufthansa Cargo, https://lufthansa-cargo.com

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African Airlines Association,CORSIA
Date: 2016-10-19
The Secretary General of the African Airlines Associations (AFRAA) is reporting its support for the aviation industry emission cutback agreement reached earlier this month at the 39th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal.

AFRAA said: "The 191 states and the various stakeholders including AFRAA, AFCAC and IATA worked very hard through the ICAO system and managed to find the necessary compromises to establish the first sectorial deal to reduce CO2 at global level. African airlines, the aviation industry, other stakeholders as well as African institutions have been consistently advocating a global solution under ICAO's leadership for several years".

The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) would complement a range of mitigation measures the air transport industry was already looking at to cut CO2 emissions. (Source: African Airlines Assoc., Namibia Economist, 14 Oct., 2016) Contact: African Airlines Association, www.afraa.org; ICAO, +52 55 52 50 3211, icaonacc@icao.int, www.icao.int

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