The aviation industry’s decarbonization efforts have gained new momentum with the increasing adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), hailed as one of the most effective solutions for reducing carbon emissions. However, due to limited production and geographic constraints, the book-and-claim system has emerged as a crucial mechanism for expanding SAF’s accessibility across the globe.
Book-and-claim allows aviation operators to purchase SAF credits, even if the physical fuel isn’t used in their aircraft. Through this system, companies can invest in the environmental benefits of SAF while supporting its production and reducing their carbon footprint—regardless of their location.
Why Book-and-Claim is Essential for SAF Growth
Despite the promising growth in SAF production, global supply still only accounts for less than half a percent of total jet fuel consumption. With physical SAF available mostly in regions like the U.S. West Coast, where incentive programs like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) encourage its production, delivering SAF to distant airports can be cost-prohibitive.
The book-and-claim system offers a solution by separating the environmental attributes of SAF from the physical fuel. Companies can purchase SAF credits—representing the carbon reductions achieved by using SAF—while the actual fuel is burned where it is produced, maximizing economic and environmental efficiency.
Signature Aviation, the world’s largest SAF retailer in the general aviation sector, has seen substantial success with this system. Since launching book-and-claim, the company has sold over 35 million gallons of blended SAF, driving significant emissions reductions and industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Promoting SAF and Book-and-Claim
At VURDHAAN, we are committed to advancing sustainability in the aviation sector, including supporting the widespread adoption of SAF through mechanisms like book-and-claim. Our expertise in decarbonization strategies, such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and Sustainable Aviation Fuels Program, helps companies navigate this evolving landscape. We work closely with organizations to optimize their sustainability strategies, enhance ESG performance, and leverage SAF solutions, ensuring they are at the forefront of industry best practices.
A Global Push for Standardization
While book-and-claim is gaining traction in the U.S., Europe remains cautious, with the European Union holding back on full-scale adoption until a more robust tracking system is in place to prevent fraud. However, groups like the Council on Sustainable Fuels Accountability (CoSAFA) are working toward global standardization, ensuring that book-and-claim programs are reliable, transparent, and accessible worldwide.
Industry leaders agree that book-and-claim is a temporary but vital tool for SAF expansion. As production ramps up and SAF becomes more widely available, this mechanism will play a key role in the aviation industry’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
At VURDHAAN, we are excited to see how book-and-claim continues to evolve and contribute to the decarbonization of the aviation sector, and we stand ready to support organizations in their transition to a more sustainable future.