RSB and To70 publish case study on the non-CO2 impact of sustainable aviation fuels
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The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and To70 have published a case study, funded by The ClimateWorks Foundation, on the non-CO₂ impact of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
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As airports aim to lead the aviation sector’s shift towards sustainability through collaboration with all stakeholders, it is crucial for them to address their emission footprint.
In addition to carbon dioxide (CO₂), aircraft engines emit a range of other pollutants, known as non-CO₂ emissions. These emissions include substances such as water vapour, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), soot particles, and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). Non-CO₂ emissions significantly impact the environment, affecting both local air quality and contributing to global climate change. To effectively mitigate these impacts, airports can use SAF by integrating them into their operations. This is important for airports to reduce their full emission footprint, thereby aligning with evolving regulatory standards, enhancing local air quality, and fostering sustainable collaborations and partnerships within the industry.
According to the case study published by RSB and To70, the challenges that persist include SAF availability, SAF refuelling logistics, the measurement and impact assessment of non-CO₂ emissions on climate and health resulting from specific SAF blends, and the need for seamless coordination with relevant authorities. Despite these challenges, the case study provides best practices and insights from industry initiatives, such as SAF programmes at US West Coast Airports, the trial at Copenhagen airport within the ALIGHT project, the ECLIF Campaigns, as well as the EU non-CO₂ Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Framework.
Understanding the challenges and applying the best practices can help airports overcome obstacles and realise long-term benefits of integrating SAF into their operations to reduce CO₂ and non-CO₂.
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Key findings:
- High-blend SAF scale up required
- Focus on fuel composition, not only SAF
- High SAF blends are required
- Non-CO₂ emissions impact conversion is needed
- Increased non-CO₂ awareness can be a SAF driver
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We would like to acknowledge the generous support provided by The ClimateWorks Foundation, which has funded this report.
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Click here to read the case study.
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