The European Commission is advancing its climate agenda by introducing a system to monitor, report, and verify (MRV) non-CO2 effects of aviation. This initiative, supported by the Non-CO2 Aviation Effects Tracking System (NEATS), aims to quantify and mitigate the climate impacts of aviation beyond CO2 emissions.
Why Monitor Non-CO2 Effects?
Non-CO2 effects, such as contrail-induced cloud formation and nitrogen oxide emissions, significantly contribute to global warming. In line with the precautionary principle, the Commission has developed a robust MRV framework to address these impacts and provide flight-level data to support decarbonization efforts.
Key Features of the MRV System
Flexible Data Collection
- NEATS integrates third-party data for flight trajectories and weather conditions.
- Operators can rely on default values if specific data (e.g., aircraft mass or fuel properties) is unavailable, ensuring a seamless process.
- Operators can customize their use of NEATS modules, choosing between emission estimation, CO2e calculation models, or both.
State-of-the-Art Modeling
- The MRV framework uses advanced models like CoCIP, aCCF, and AirClim for accurate calculations.
- Fuel burn and emissions are estimated through EUROCONTROL’s BADA and Boeing Fuel Flow Method 2 (BFFM2).
Automated Reporting and Verification
- NEATS automates the reporting process, generating an annual XML table for flights with CO2e data for multiple Global Warming Potential (GWP) time horizons (20, 50, and 100 years).
- Verifiers and authorities can cross-check data while protecting sensitive information.
Simplified Compliance for Airlines
The MRV system reduces the administrative burden on airlines while enhancing transparency, enabling operators to align with stringent climate goals effectively. With training and operational guidance, NEATS is poised to become a vital tool in aviation’s sustainability transition.