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In a significant leap towards sustainability, Edinburgh Airport has become the first in Scotland to achieve Level 4 ‘Transformation’ in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme. This recognition places Edinburgh among the highest globally in carbon management, reflecting its commitment to reducing absolute emissions and advancing towards a net-zero future.

Pioneering Sustainability in Aviation

Edinburgh’s Level 4 achievement is part of the ACA program, the only institutionally endorsed global carbon management certification for airports. It acknowledges the airport’s substantial progress in carbon reduction through its Greater Good sustainability strategy. This milestone was reached through:

• Publication of a Net Zero Strategy, outlining a clear plan for sustainable growth and an absolute reduction in direct emissions.
• Collaboration with airlines and campus partners to set science-based targets that align with broader emissions reduction goals.
• Supply chain mapping to monitor and mitigate Scope 3 (indirect) emissions, focusing on the carbon value of purchased goods and services.

This extensive work, combined with verified data, sets the foundation for Edinburgh Airport’s next target—ACA Level 4+ ‘Transition’, which includes offsetting any remaining carbon emissions through credible carbon credits.

The Role of Stakeholder Collaboration

Key to this achievement has been the strong partnerships formed between the airport, airlines, and its supply chain. As Jessica Briggs, Head of Sustainability at Edinburgh Airport, explains: “This accreditation marks a major milestone as we progress towards Net Zero emissions… We’d like to recognise the role our airlines, campus partners, and suppliers have played in this and thank them for engaging with us.”

Edinburgh’s sustainability progress is not happening in isolation. As part of the VINCI Airports network, which includes over 70 airports globally, Edinburgh benefits from a shared vision and collaborative environmental strategies. VINCI’s ambition is for all its European and UK airports to reach net-zero emissions by 2030, with four airports already reaching Level 5 accreditation.

VURDHAAN’s Commitment to Sustainable Aviation

At VURDHAAN, we are deeply engaged in helping airports and aviation stakeholders navigate complex sustainability frameworks like the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA). We provide expert guidance to support the aviation industry in reducing emissions, achieving regulatory compliance, and enhancing sustainability strategies. Through our tailored support, education, and implementation services, we help organizations adopt practices that align with global initiatives such as ACA, enabling them to reach their carbon reduction goals efficiently.

Looking Ahead

Edinburgh Airport’s achievement of ACA Level 4 ‘Transformation’ not only highlights the airport’s leadership in sustainability but also sets a powerful example for the wider aviation sector. With plans already in place to work towards ACA Level 4+ and ultimately reach net-zero, Edinburgh is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of green aviation. Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to reducing emissions, the airport is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future in air travel.

At VURDHAAN, we look forward to supporting more airports and aviation partners in their journey towards a sustainable, net-zero future.

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As global efforts to decarbonize the aviation sector gain momentum, Spain is emerging as a pivotal player in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. With a recent proposal approved by the country’s Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge Commission, Spain is positioned to take bold steps toward a greener future for air travel.

The proposal calls on the Spanish government to:

• Provide incentives for SAF production
• Fund research and development for new SAF sources
• Establish public-private partnerships to accelerate SAF adoption
• Develop strategies to access waste and biomaterials for SAF feedstock

Meeting Aviation’s Net-Zero Target with SAF

SAF is crucial to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Despite the rapid growth of demand, global SAF supply remains far below necessary levels. In 2024, around 1.5 million tonnes of SAF were produced globally, but by 2050, the industry will need over 400 million tonnes to meet its targets.

In Europe, initiatives like ReFuelEU are setting ambitious mandates to accelerate the shift to SAF. By 2025, European airports will be required to source 2% of their fuel from SAF, a figure set to rise to 6% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Additionally, from 2030 onwards, 1.2% of fuels must be synthetic e-fuels, which reduce emissions even further. By 2050, this will increase to 35%.

Spain’s Potential for SAF Production

Spain is uniquely positioned to become a major SAF producer, thanks to its abundant renewable resources, including biomass from agricultural waste, forest management, and industrial by-products. Moreover, the country is a leader in renewable energy, with more than 60,000 MW of photovoltaic and wind power installed, further strengthening its ability to produce e-fuels, such as green hydrogen, through renewable means.

Spain’s agricultural prowess also plays a key role. With vast forested areas, leading production of olive oil, extensive pig farming, and the largest vineyard in Europe, the country generates huge amounts of waste suitable for SAF feedstock. These renewable resources could drive the country’s leadership in SAF production while contributing to industrial growth and energy independence.

Public and Private Collaboration for a Greener Future

As noted by Margarita de Gregorio, President of the Spanish Air Transport Sustainability Alliance, public-private partnerships will be instrumental in realizing Spain’s SAF potential. These partnerships will help ensure that Spain’s transition to greater sustainability in air transport also promotes industrialization and resource circularity.

Spain’s proactive approach, backed by its robust renewable infrastructure and agricultural resources, positions it to lead the way in SAF production not only for domestic use but also for export. This would be a significant contribution to Europe’s broader decarbonization goals.

A Step in the Right Direction

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has praised Spain’s Ecological Transition Commission for its forward-thinking proposal. Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, commended this move as a positive step toward increasing state support for SAF. As Spain continues to develop the necessary tools and strategies for SAF production, it could soon emerge as a net exporter of these fuels, further solidifying its role in the global aviation sustainability landscape.

VURDHAAN: Supporting Sustainable Aviation

At VURDHAAN, we are deeply engaged in advancing sustainability within the aviation sector, particularly through initiatives like CORSIA, ReFuelEU, and the promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). We are actively involved in supporting both public and private organizations as they navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, and we help them implement effective strategies for SAF adoption. Through our comprehensive three-step approach—Support, Educate, Implement—we ensure that our partners are well-equipped to meet their sustainability goals and contribute to a greener, more sustainable aviation industry.

As Spain positions itself as a leader in SAF production, VURDHAAN is proud to be part of the movement, working with global and regional stakeholders to drive meaningful progress toward aviation’s net-zero future.

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SK Energy, South Korea’s largest refiner and a subsidiary of SK Innovation, has announced a significant breakthrough with the completion of the nation’s first dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production line. This milestone, marked by the use of advanced co-processing technology, positions SK Energy as a leader in the growing global SAF market. The new facility is set to commence commercial production next month, creating a vital shift toward cleaner aviation fuel and contributing to South Korea’s carbon reduction goals.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a biofuel with chemical properties similar to traditional jet fuel but with a significantly lower carbon footprint. SK Energy’s co-processing method allows for the simultaneous production of both petroleum and SAF by integrating bio-feedstocks into the existing oil production process. This cutting-edge technology is supported by a dedicated five-kilometer pipeline to ensure the continuous flow of bio-feedstocks, making SAF production efficient and sustainable.

Leading the Way in SAF Production

Once the SAF production line becomes fully operational, SK Energy will complete its value chain, which includes raw material procurement, production, and sales. The company has strategically invested in waste-based raw material suppliers through SK Trading International, ensuring a steady supply of bio-feedstocks. Additionally, SK Energy is working with Infinium to develop e-fuels, further enhancing their SAF production capabilities by utilizing green hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

The company has already secured key certifications, including ISCC CORSIA, which validates its SAF production for the international aviation sector under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. SK Energy has also achieved ISCC EU certification under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and ISCC PLUS for environmentally friendly products in voluntary markets, ensuring its SAF offerings meet global sustainability standards.

Meeting Global and Domestic Demand

The demand for SAF is expected to skyrocket in the coming years. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global demand for SAF is projected to increase 70-fold by 2030, from 240,000 tons in 2022 to an astounding 18.35 million tons. Domestically, South Korea plans to mandate SAF blending for all international flights departing from the country by 2027. With its new SAF production line, SK Energy is well-prepared to meet this growing demand, both within South Korea and globally.

Starting early next year, SK Energy will supply SAF to Korean Air passenger flights, an essential step in aligning with the broader strategy of market expansion. This comes on the heels of a celebratory event at Incheon International Airport in August, where industry leaders and government officials recognized the importance of SK Energy’s achievement in producing domestically sourced SAF. The event, attended by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Korean Air, underscored South Korea’s commitment to leading the global transition toward sustainable aviation.

A Future of Greener Skies

As Hong Kwang-pyo, head of the strategy division at SK Energy, noted, “As the first company in Korea to achieve continuous SAF production through co-processing, we are well-prepared to meet the upcoming mandatory SAF blending requirements.” This statement highlights SK Energy’s pivotal role in South Korea’s transition toward cleaner aviation and its readiness to expand SAF production capabilities in response to both domestic and international market conditions.

At VURDHAAN, we recognize the immense potential of SAF in decarbonizing the aviation industry. Our expertise in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and frameworks like CORSIA allows us to support businesses and governments as they navigate the complexities of adopting cleaner aviation solutions. By providing tailored sustainability strategies, we help companies integrate SAF into their operations, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and contribute to a low-carbon future.

Conclusion: A Milestone for Clean Aviation

SK Energy’s leap into commercial SAF production is a significant development for South Korea and the global aviation industry. By leveraging advanced co-processing technology and forging strategic partnerships, SK Energy is not only helping to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint but also contributing to the global push for cleaner, more sustainable skies. As SAF demand continues to grow, this achievement marks a crucial step forward in the journey towards greener aviation.

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The Indian Sugar & Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has taken a major step towards advancing India’s bioenergy sector by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and PRAJ Industries. This partnership is set to drive the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Bio-Ethanol, Bio-Gas, Green Bio-Hydrogen, and green methanol, all aimed at strengthening India’s bio-economy and low-carbon energy infrastructure.

This collaboration comes at a crucial time, as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Currently, aviation contributes around three percent of global carbon emissions, releasing nearly 1 billion metric tonnes of CO2 annually. As the demand for air travel grows, the need for alternatives to traditional jet fuels becomes more pressing. SAF offers a promising solution, with the potential to drastically cut emissions while supporting global climate goals.

Paving the Way for a Greener Aviation Sector

Under the CORSIA framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the second voluntary pilot phase (2024-2026) is set to lead into full implementation in 2027. ISMA’s partnership with TERI and PRAJ Industries aims to align with this framework by achieving the target of blending one percent SAF with aviation turbine fuel by 2027, scaling up to five percent by 2030. This ambitious target underscores India’s commitment to decarbonizing aviation and promoting bioenergy adoption on a global scale.

Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, noted that this collaboration marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of sustainable aviation solutions. “The MOUs with TERI and PRAJ Industries not only represent a collaboration but also reflect our commitment to a greener future. Unlike conventional jet fuels, SAF derived from renewable resources offers a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which is one of the aviation sector’s major challenges.”

Leveraging India’s Abundant Resources for SAF Production

A key element of SAF production in India is the use of bagasse, a byproduct of the sugarcane industry, which is both abundant and technologically feasible for SAF conversion. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly feedstock positions India to make significant strides in green energy production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By collaborating with TERI’s research experts and PRAJ’s technological solutions, ISMA is setting the stage for India to become a global leader in bioenergy production, addressing both environmental and economic needs.

This partnership also emphasizes knowledge exchange, policy development, and capacity building, which are critical to creating a thriving bioenergy ecosystem. ISMA’s efforts to foster collaboration between industry and government will play a crucial role in achieving India’s SAF production targets and contributing to the country’s broader sustainability objectives.

A Sustainable Future for Aviation

As the aviation sector continues to grow, the need for sustainable fuel alternatives becomes more urgent. ISMA’s partnership with TERI and PRAJ Industries is a key step in meeting this challenge, offering a clear path to reducing carbon emissions through innovative bioenergy solutions. By leveraging India’s natural resources and technological capabilities, this collaboration will help the country lead the way in SAF production and contribute to the global push for cleaner, greener aviation.

At VURDHAAN, we recognize the significance of advancing SAF technologies in the aviation sector. Our expertise in Sustainable Aviation Fuels, aligned with frameworks like CORSIA, enables us to support businesses and industries in navigating the complexities of bioenergy adoption and emissions reduction. By offering tailored sustainability solutions, we help companies transition towards cleaner, more sustainable operations, ensuring they stay ahead of regulatory requirements and industry trends.

Conclusion: India’s Leadership in Bioenergy

ISMA’s collaboration with TERI and PRAJ Industries represents a groundbreaking step towards creating a sustainable future for aviation. With the goal of blending SAF with conventional jet fuel, this partnership will drive innovation in bioenergy production and help India meet its ambitious climate targets. As aviation continues to contribute to global carbon emissions, initiatives like these are essential in reducing the industry’s environmental impact and advancing the transition to a low-carbon economy.

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QNB Group has taken a bold step towards reducing its carbon footprint by partnering with DHL Express to integrate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into its shipping solutions. This landmark agreement will slash CO2 emissions by 50% on all express air shipments, showcasing QNB’s commitment to eco-friendly operations and aligning with the global push for sustainability.

This partnership is part of QNB’s broader strategy to embrace climate-neutral solutions. By adopting SAF, QNB becomes the first company in Qatar to integrate this innovative technology into its supply chain, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable business practices. The collaboration goes beyond fuel innovation, as it also includes SGS certification for precise CO2 emission tracking, eco-friendly packaging materials, and electric vehicle use for bank services.

A Shared Vision for Sustainability

QNB Group’s Senior Executive Vice President, Yousef Ali Al Darwish, expressed pride in this achievement: “We are excited to be the first company in Qatar to adopt SAF in collaboration with DHL. This positions us as a reliable partner to sustainability-focused entities like DHL, reinforcing our strategy of innovative and responsible business practices.” The partnership allows QNB to offer its clients climate-neutral shipping options, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and setting an example for others in the region to follow.

DHL Express Qatar, known for its dedication to sustainable logistics, is an ideal partner for QNB. Through their GoGreen Plus program, DHL empowers clients like QNB to reduce their supply chain’s carbon footprint with SAF. As Ahmed Elfangary, Country Manager at DHL Express Qatar, noted: “Our GoGreen Plus product empowers clients to reduce their supply chain’s carbon footprint through SAF, and QNB is a key partner in driving this change.”

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A Game-Changer for Logistics

Sustainable Aviation Fuel represents a major leap forward in decarbonizing the logistics and transportation industries. SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, making it a critical component in the fight against climate change. By adopting SAF, QNB and DHL are setting the stage for widespread adoption of cleaner fuels in the region and beyond.

At VURDHAAN, we see the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel as a significant step in the journey toward decarbonizing the aviation sector. Our expertise in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and initiatives like CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) enable businesses to transition smoothly to more sustainable fuel options. By helping clients integrate SAF and other green solutions into their operations, we support the broader industry goals of reducing emissions and promoting cleaner logistics.

Climate-Neutral Solutions: The Path Forward

The partnership between QNB and DHL is more than just a business collaboration—it’s a statement about the future of sustainable logistics. By incorporating SAF, SGS certification, and electric vehicle usage, both companies are setting new benchmarks for what it means to operate responsibly in the modern era. As businesses across the world continue to focus on reducing their environmental impact, partnerships like this highlight the importance of innovative and forward-thinking solutions.

This initiative also aligns with QNB’s broader sustainability goals, reflecting a strategic shift towards greener operations. By offering clients more environmentally friendly shipping options, QNB is not only reducing its own carbon footprint but also enabling its customers to make more responsible choices. This partnership strengthens QNB’s position as a sustainability leader in the financial sector, and DHL’s commitment to greener logistics further bolsters its reputation as a pioneer in sustainable shipping.

Conclusion: A Partnership for a Greener Future

QNB Group and DHL Express’s collaboration on Sustainable Aviation Fuel sets a powerful example for how industries can work together to drive meaningful environmental change. By slashing CO2 emissions and offering climate-neutral solutions, both companies are taking a critical step toward a more sustainable future. As more organizations recognize the importance of integrating green technologies into their operations, partnerships like these will become increasingly vital in building a cleaner, more responsible global supply chain.

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In a groundbreaking move to combat aviation’s environmental impact, the European Commission has introduced a new IT system, the Non-CO2 aviation effects tracking system (NEATS). Designed to monitor, report, and verify (MRV) the non-CO2 effects of aviation, this system is a significant step forward in achieving sustainable aviation. While the aviation sector has long focused on reducing CO2 emissions, non-CO2 effects like contrails and NOx (nitrogen oxides) also play a critical role in the climate impact of aviation. The introduction of NEATS highlights the increasing regulatory focus on mitigating these effects, and it opens new doors for airlines to align with emerging environmental standards. 

At VURDHAAN, we are proud to stay ahead of these regulatory changes, offering specialized support and guidance in aviation sustainability, including the integration of NEATS into airlines’ operational frameworks. 

Why Is Non-CO2 Monitoring Important? 

Although the contribution of CO2 emissions to climate change is widely recognized, aviation’s non-CO2 effects also significantly contribute to global warming. These effects include contrail cirrus (clouds formed by aircraft exhaust) and emissions like nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can lead to ozone formation and alter the radiative balance of the atmosphere. 

The European Commission has acknowledged this growing concern by mandating an MRV system for non-CO2 aviation effects for each flight. This new requirement aligns with the precautionary principle, underlining the need to address both CO2 and non-CO2 effects to minimize aviation’s total environmental impact. 

The Non-CO2 Effects Aviation Tracking System (NEATS) is designed to address these challenges, providing a flexible, data-driven approach for airlines. VURDHAAN understands that embracing this system is a positive step toward achieving compliance and environmental stewardship, and we are ready to guide airlines through this transition. 

Key Features of NEATS 

The NEATS system is built around flexibility and precision, ensuring it accommodates the varying levels of data available to airlines. Here’s how it works: 

1. Flexible Data Sources 

2. Airlines can use a mix of available third-party data and their own in-flight measurements. NEATS also integrates essential flight data, meteorological information, and emission estimates, ensuring a comprehensive, streamlined monitoring system. 

3. Automated Process 

The system automates the entire MRV process, allowing for the seamless collection of aircraft properties, such as engine type and aircraft mass, as well as fuel properties. Airlines can also rely on default values for fuel properties (such as aromatic content) if specific data isn’t available. 

4. Advanced Metrics 

To provide a holistic view of aviation’s climate impact, NEATS incorporates multiple time horizons—20, 50, and 100 years—for calculating Global Warming Potential (GWP). This innovative approach helps avoid technology lock-in, giving the aviation sector the flexibility to adopt new climate-friendly technologies without being constrained by short-term metrics. 

5. Weather-Dependent Modeling 

One of the most advanced features of NEATS is its weather-dependent modeling approach. Using open-source models such as CoCIP and aCCF, along with precise meteorological data, NEATS can predict non-CO2 effects like contrail formation and their potential climate impact. 

VURDHAAN actively assists organizations in leveraging such cutting-edge tools to meet sustainability goals. Our expertise in frameworks like CORSIA, EU ETS, and now non-CO2 MRV systems, allows us to provide holistic and future-ready solutions to airlines. 

Data Requirements and Precision 

NEATS demands various data points, from flight information (such as flight number, departure and arrival airports) to more advanced meteorological data, such as air pressure and temperature. Much of this data is automatically sourced through third-party providers like Eurocontrol, reducing the need for manual input from airlines. 

For airlines without access to specific aircraft and fuel data, NEATS compensates with robust default values, ensuring accurate and fair estimations of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions per flight. 

This modular approach to data collection means that airlines can tailor their participation in the MRV process to their operational needs and data availability. VURDHAAN’s expert team provides customized training and implementation strategies, ensuring your team is equipped to navigate the complexities of data collection and regulatory compliance. 

Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Process 

The NEATS system offers a seamless MRV process, guiding airlines through every step: 

6. Monitoring: 

NEATS simplifies monitoring by using third-party data for flight trajectories and weather patterns, reducing the need for real-time data collection by airlines. In cases where real-time data is required, VURDHAAN offers solutions for seamless data integration. 

7. Reporting: 

At the end of each reporting cycle, NEATS generates an automated report in XML format, including CO2e calculations and other relevant metrics. This reduces the administrative burden on airlines and ensures that all data is reported consistently. 

8. Verification: 

Accredited verifiers can access NEATS to cross-check the data submitted by airlines, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the reported information. The verification phase strengthens the accountability of the entire process, making non-CO2 tracking a cornerstone of sustainable aviation. 

What Does This Mean for Airlines? 

The implementation of NEATS represents a significant shift in how airlines monitor their environmental impact. By focusing on non-CO2 effects, airlines can now contribute to a broader climate strategy that goes beyond carbon emissions. For small emitters, the simplified approaches offered by NEATS provide an accessible entry point into the system, making it a viable solution for all aircraft operators. 

At VURDHAAN, we are committed to helping airlines embrace this change. From understanding the intricacies of the NEATS system to offering support, education, and implementation services, we ensure that our clients stay ahead in the evolving landscape of aviation sustainability. 

Conclusion 

NEATS is a transformative step towards comprehensive climate responsibility in the aviation industry. By providing a flexible and automated approach to MRV, it empowers airlines to manage both CO2 and non-CO2 effects effectively. VURDHAAN is excited to support airlines through this new regulatory phase, offering expert guidance to ensure smooth integration and long-term success in sustainable aviation practices. 

We stand ready to assist you in embracing NEATS and other future-forward sustainability solutions. Let us help you navigate the path to a greener aviation industry. 

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