Piloting Sustainability Forward

Most notably, these include carbon dioxide (C0₂), but emissions also include sulphur oxides, particulate matter (soot), water vapours, and ozone-depleting substances such as nitrous oxides. Water vapours and soot can create contrails and induced cirrus cloudiness, creating a warming effect stronger than that generated by CO₂.

Data shows half of all aviation emissions were introduced in the last 20 years despite improving fuel efficiency. In 2018, one billion metric tonnes of carbon were released by aviation for the first time. As access to air travel continues to grow, it is clear that if we are to meet the increase in global demand, we must simultaneously pursue emissions reductions and the development of sustainable aviation technologies. Otherwise, the freedom of mobility we enjoy will be greatly compromised.

C0₂ emissions refer to the release of greenhouse gases created by the burning of fossil fuels, from coal to gasoline. These gases trap heat, contributing to rising average temperatures that could lead to varying degrees of social, environmental, and economic consequences.

Not surprisingly, aircraft-related emissions have risen in the last two decades to include 16.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (C0₂), enough to fill 366,000 Olympic-size swimming pools while weighing in 290-times heavier than the entire Great Wall of China. When including non-CO₂ pollutants, aviation accounts for approximately 3.5% to 5% of total global emissions. Furthermore, private aviation specifically represents just 2% of all air-travel-related emissions.

By definition, a carbon offset is a verified reduction or avoidance of one metric ton of carbon dioxide. The process requires determining the total carbon footprint of a flight and offsetting it using independently verified carbon credits in an amount that neutralizes the total carbon released. Each credit contributes to a portfolio of sustainability projects and initiatives aimed at reducing global greenhouse gases.

The contributions made to projects on your behalf come in the form of CO₂ credits verified by leading authorities such as the Verified Carbon Standard (Verra), Climate Action Reserve, and Gold Standard. Offsets are independently reviewed and purchased in an amount equal to your carbon or total emissions footprint before being permanently retired in a public registry. This registry ensures CO2 offsets are not double-counted and tracks offset production, ownership, and retirement.

Carbon represents just one-third of the climate-impacting emissions generated by the average private aircraft, which is neutralised as part of your complimentary offset. At the same time, non-CO₂ materials like gases and aerosols magnify the overall climate impact of aviation. Using a specifically designed emissions index, the impact of non-CO₂ emissions is converted into a CO₂-equivalent amount – CO₂e.

SAF refers to jet fuel produced from renewable sources rather than fossil-based materials like petroleum. Because more than 90% of aviation emissions result from the combustion of non-renewable jet fuel, SAF is already reducing our industry’s carbon footprint. SAF represents a safe “drop-in” fuel that can be safely introduced without requiring equipment or engine modifications. Today, SAF is required to be blended with conventional fossil jet fuel to meet the Jet A/A-1 specifications. Most often it is a 30/70 blend.

While sustainable aviation fuel supplies are ramping up and distribution is expanding by the day, it is still not consistently offered by most airports. A “book-and-claim” registry allows another traveler to utilize SAF where available while you claim the credit. This makes the creation and distribution of SAF as efficient as possible, maximizing global emissions reductions while minimizing transportation as availability grows.

As the first organization of its kind focused solely on private aviation, 4AIR possesses an exceptional project portfolio built on results-driven sustainability initiatives in place across the globe. In fact, 4AIR was the first to trade on the International Air Transport Association’s Aviation Carbon Exchange in support a renewable energy project in India. Most importantly, 4AIR’s multiple levels of participation make it easy to begin or even supplement your sustainable-living efforts.