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:
- Flexible Data Sources
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.