Home > Verifavia News
> Insetting for Sustainability: Driving Change with Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Markets

Insetting for Sustainability: Driving Change with Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Markets

15/06/2023




Insetting: A Path to Sustainable Aviation Fuels




We are living in a time when sustainability has become a key focus for organizations across various industries. As we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change, innovative strategies such as insetting are gaining prominence. Insetting offers a powerful approach for organizations to offset their carbon emissions by investing in emission reduction projects within their own value chain or supply chain. Today, we'll explore the concept of insetting and highlight how Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) serve as a compelling example of this strategy. We will also introduce our SAF Program Assurance Audit, designed to address the challenges associated with SAF utilization.

What is Insetting?

Insetting goes beyond traditional carbon offsetting by focusing on internal emission reduction initiatives tied to an organization's operations or supply chain. Instead of purchasing carbon credits from external projects, insetting involves investing in projects that align with the company's activities and create sustainable development opportunities. By taking a proactive approach to reduce emissions within our value chain, we can make a tangible and lasting impact on the environment.

Introducing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

Within the aviation industry, one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is jet fuel. However, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) offer a promising solution. SAF, also known as biojet fuels or renewable jet fuels, are derived from sustainable sources such as biomass, waste oils, or agricultural residues. These fuels can be used as a direct replacement for conventional jet fuel, significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with air travel.

How SAF Fits into Insetting

SAF perfectly exemplifies the concept of insetting as it allows organizations to invest in emission reduction projects directly tied to their aviation operations. By transitioning to SAF, airlines and aviation companies can reduce their carbon footprint and support the development of a more sustainable aviation industry. Let's delve into how SAF aligns with the principles of insetting:
  1. Lower Carbon Footprint: SAF offers a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. It has the potential to cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, along with significant reductions in other pollutants.
  2. Supply Chain Integration: Insetting encourages organizations to invest in emission reduction projects within their supply chain. For airlines, this can involve partnering with SAF producers, supporting research and development efforts, and promoting the adoption of SAF throughout the aviation industry.
  3. Sustainable Development: Insetting projects should contribute to sustainable development within the organization's value chain or local communities. SAF production supports the development of renewable energy industries, stimulates rural economies through agricultural waste utilization, and promotes cleaner air travel options.
  4. Long-Term Commitment: Insetting is a commitment to ongoing emission reductions. By embracing SAF, organizations demonstrate their dedication to long-term sustainability and actively contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Carbon Markets and Riverse

Boosting Sustainability Efforts In the battle against climate change, carbon markets have emerged as widely utilized tools. These trading systems enable the buying and selling of carbon credits, ensuring that companies embracing green innovation are rewarded. Regulatory bodies require businesses to pay for emitting one metric ton of carbon dioxide, creating a competitive disadvantage for companies reliant on fossil fuels.

One prime example of such a market is Riverse. It functions as a carbon measurement, verification, and monetization platform for circular economy projects in Europe. Riverse's mission is to promote circular economy solutions and mitigate the impacts of climate change through carbon financing. They enable industrial European Greentech companies operating within the circular economy to secure funding based on their efforts to avoid or remove greenhouse gas emissions. To be eligible for funding, projects must meet and be certified according to Riverse's standard rules, which are accessible to the public.

Role of Verifavia in Carbon Markets

Ensuring Credibility in Carbon Financing As a trusted verification and validation body, Verifavia plays a significant role in the process. We provide independent third-party validation for projects seeking funding through Riverse. Our expertise ensures that the successful removal or avoidance of carbon emissions through these projects is accurately measured and certified. This leads to the issuance of carbon credits, which are subsequently sold in Riverse's registry, fostering a robust and transparent carbon market.

Introducing the SAF Program Assurance Audit

To address the challenges associated with SAF utilization and provide assurance to our stakeholders, we are proud to introduce our SAF Program Assurance Audit. The SAF Program Assurance Audit is a comprehensive solution designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and credibility within SAF programs. Let's explore how the audit helps overcome the risks and concerns faced by corporate customers:

Phase I - Comprehensive Value Chain Audit:

During this phase, we conduct an independent audit of the complete value chain of the SAF program, from SAF purchase to SAF certificate sale. Our audit includes:
  • Interviewing key personnel to evaluate the complete value chain.
  • Auditing and analyzing tools, calculators, procedures, assumptions, and methods used.
  • Reviewing the accounting framework (inventory or registry).
  • Evaluating eligibility criteria and standards associated with SAF procurement.
  • Reviewing the SAF Program Policy/Framework.
  • Evaluating the proposed SAF Certificate template.
Phase II – Audit of Transaction:

In this phase, we provide an extra layer of assurance to protect the integrity of the SAF certificates and environmental attributes being sold. We:
  • Review all SAF invoices and proof of sustainability documentation received.
  • Confirm SAF's eligibility for Scope 3 emissions reductions.
  • Track the number of emissions reductions available and their transformation into SAF Certificates.
  • Continuously review all SAF Certificates issued to ensure no double-counting.
Why Choose Verifavia?

At Verifavia, we bring expertise in providing independent assurance solutions for the aviation industry. Our extensive experience in auditing SAF Programs has made us a trusted partner for leading airlines, including 4AIR, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair, Cargolux, and Air Canada. With our SAF Program Assurance Audit, you can gain confidence, build trust, and ensure compliance within your SAF initiatives.

Together, through insetting and the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, we can make significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint and shaping a more sustainable future for the aviation industry. Let's embark on this journey of environmental stewardship and drive positive change.

Reach out to us at contact@verfavia.com to learn more.

Source:
  1. The Economist - Carbon Markets are going global.
  2. What are carbon markets and why are they important? | Climate Promise (undp.org)
  3. Riverse | How it works
  4. 123Carbon
  5. Verifavia's First Insetting Assurance Audit for Blockchain Tokens
  6. SAF Program Assurance audit
Back to all Verifavia News