Sustainability is no longer a choice for the aviation industry; it’s a necessity driven by global regulations, environmental imperatives, and increasing consumer demand for eco-responsible travel. Airlines face complex challenges in meeting standards like CORSIA, EU ETS, and UK ETS. A structured approach to compliance and improvement is vital to navigate this landscape.
Actionable Items for Sustainability Compliance
1. Reporting and Verification
- Prepare and Pre-Review Data:
Begin preparing CORSIA, EU ETS, UK ETS, and ReFuelEU data. Arrange for a second-party review with a consultant to ensure data accuracy and completeness before submission to verifiers.
Deadline: January 31.
Why it matters: A second-party review acts as a buffer, identifying gaps or errors before final verification, and reducing the risk of non-compliance. - Coordinate with Verifiers:
Schedule on-site visits (if necessary) with your verification body and promptly address non-compliance queries.
Deadline: February 28. - Final Submission to Verifiers:
Submit emissions reports for review.
Deadline: March 10. - Submit Verified Reports to Authorities:
Ensure all relevant reports are submitted to the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Deadlines:- EU ETS, UK ETS, and ReFuelEU: March 31.
- CORSIA: April 30.
2. Allowance Management
- Purchase and Surrender Allowances:
Acquire and retire allowances under EU ETS by September 30 and UK ETS by April 30.
Strategic Tip: Use an emissions dashboard to monitor and forecast allowance requirements efficiently.
3. Addressing Non-Compliance and Improvement
- Implement Improvement Actions:
Address findings from verifications and submit improvement reports or revised monitoring plans.
Deadline: June 30.
4. Future Planning and Sustainability Goals
- Annual Sustainability Report Preparation:
Begin preparing the 2025 sustainability report. Engage a second-party reviewer to ensure accuracy and consider a third-party review for added credibility.
Start Date: May 15, 2025. - Set and Refine Sustainability Goals:
Collaborate with consultants to set or refine 2025 goals, ensuring alignment with industry best practices.
Target: June 2025.
5. Strategic Engagement and SAF Procurement
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
Begin SAF procurement planning for 2026.
Start Date: July 2025. - Industry Engagement:
Attend conferences like the IATA Aviation Energy Forum and Aviation Carbon to stay updated on sustainability trends. - Prepare for 2026 Reporting:
Conduct early second-party reviews of emissions data to ensure smooth compliance processes for the next reporting cycle.
The Role of a Second-Party Review
Second-party reviews are conducted by external consultants who have a working relationship with the airline but are not independent verifiers. This process offers a valuable pre-verification checkpoint, enabling airlines to:
- Enhance Data Quality: Identify inaccuracies or gaps before submission.
- Mitigate Risks: Address potential non-compliance issues early.
- Boost Credibility: Demonstrate a commitment to thoroughness and accuracy to stakeholders.
How VURDHAAN Supports Airlines
At VURDHAAN, we specialize in second-party reviews tailored to aviation compliance. Our AI-driven tool, SustainBuddy, and expert consultants simplify complex sustainability frameworks, offering actionable insights and ensuring your airline is audit-ready. With our support, airlines can navigate compliance confidently while focusing on long-term sustainability goals.
Let us partner with you to elevate your sustainability strategy. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with second-party reviews and beyond.