06.17.25
GMA Newsletter – Summer 2025
See below for the online version of GMA’s Summer 2025 newsletter. To receive future editions directly to your inbox, sign up through the form at the bottom of our homepage or email pr@gmacenter.org to be added to our mailing list.
A message from Kim
Kim Carnahan, GMA CEO
As summer begins, I’m reflecting on GMA’s first full year. It’s safe to say we came out swinging – we’ve launched new programs, grown existing initiatives, set and met ambitious milestones, and expanded our staff from 4 to 24 (!!!) to support this important work. The slideshow video linked above summarizes the highlights – please check it out!
As we look ahead to year two, our momentum continues to accelerate. I’m relieved (seriously) to share that GMA has officially been granted 501(c)3 status, bolstering our ability to fulfill our mission effectively. At the midway point of a tumultuous 2025, we’re also encouraged by strong signals from SBTi that it sees the crucial role indirect mitigation plays in overcoming barriers to addressing value chain emissions.
We’re excited to engage in the expert working group they set up to support their Corporate Net-Zero Standard revision process, as well as similar expert groups under the GHG Protocol revision process. Standard setting can be grueling work but it’s critical to create the right incentives and guardrails for climate action.
To support these efforts, we’re also digging in and sharing our deep technical expertise on the complex mechanics of market-based value chain decarbonization through our GMA Insights series (keep scrolling to find links to our latest publications below and really nerd out).
We are confident that the book and claim systems we design with our partners will meet any guardrails SBTi may put in place, and we are doubling down on our joint procurement efforts to ensure companies have avenues to meet their ambitious SBTs. We are currently reviewing bids from our first GMA Trucking pilot procurement and have been blown away by the number and quality of the bids, as well as the enthusiasm and commitment of the carriers. There are some truly game-changing companies in the mix. If you’re not a member of GMA Trucking yet and are interested in decarbonizing your on-road freight, please get in touch! There is still time to join this first-of-kind procurement.
While I couldn’t be prouder of our accomplishments in year one, we recognize it’s still an uphill battle. Luckily, I love running hills! See you all soon, hopefully in real life. Until then, keep up the good fight.
Program Updates
Aviation
Our work with the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) reached important milestones, including the launch of two procurement tracks designed to encourage near and long-term investment into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SABA’s next-generation SAF procurement is aimed at helping move a next-generation SAF plant to final investment decision, while SAFc Connect is a first-of-its-kind platform to connect buyers with high integrity SAFc volumes that are available now. Notable updates within the recently published revision of SABA’s Sustainability Framework for SAF include the addition of SABA-eligible SAF registries and how fuels can meet the “SABA Advanced” criteria.
Trucking
The GMA Trucking pilot RFP response period closed at the end of April and the evaluation and shortlisting process will culminate with winner selection later this summer. Due to larger than anticipated bid volumes, GMA Trucking is opening up additional purchase opportunities for zero emission trucking service attributes. Email trucking@gmacenter.org to learn more.
Cement & Concrete
Alongside program partner RMI, we continue our work on book and claim system design, with subgroups of the Working Group exploring key design elements such as accounting and baselining in greater depth. Most recently, the Working Group aligned on a multi-functional unit system that would allow for investment in low-carbon clinker, cement or concrete solutions within a common framework and registry. The demand aggregation phase of our work is planned for launch in early fall with the formation of a buyers alliance focused on low-carbon cement and concrete. Email concrete@gmacenter.org to learn more.
Chemicals
Chemicals program design continues under the new leadership of Andrew Alcorta, who joined the GMA team in May. Watch this video narrated by team member Ash Khetpal to learn more about the program’s focus and intent, which in the near term will support the launch of an early stage pilot procurement for low emission plastics and fertilizers.
Sound interesting? Reach out to chemicals@gmacenter.org to explore participation in our soon to launch, early stage pilot!
AIM Platform
The AIM Platform Association Test pilot came to a successful conclusion, and feedback from diverse stakeholders will inform updates currently underway. The Association Test is intended to aid corporates in identifying which decarbonization investments can be credibly associated with their value chains. Next in the AIM Standard and Guidance development process is the release of the draft Quality, Reporting, and Accounting (QAR) Requirements. A pilot and stakeholder comment period for the QAR will launch later this summer and will be followed by a revision process. Together, the Association Test and QAR Requirements will make up the full Standard and Guidance, which will be considered by the AIM Standard Governing Committee for approval and publication in Q4 2025.
Maritime
The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) and Katalist recently published an open letter with 13 signatories in reaction to SBTi’s recent revision of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard and Guidance. The letter focuses on the importance of indirect mitigation efforts in facilitating the clean energy transition for maritime, following the themes established in the group’s engagement with SBTi’s public consultation period. The RFP response period for ZEMBA’s e-fuel-focused second tender closed in April with results expected to be announced by end of 2025.
In the News
- SABA’s SAFc Connect was featured in Trellis: $30 million spend expected at new sustainable aviation platform
- Energy Institute | New Energy World covered the release of SABA’s next-gen RFP: US scales up SAF with major developments
- Our cement & concrete work in partnership with RMI was highlighted in recent announcements about Microsoft’s collaboration with Sublime to decarbonize its construction operations.
#ICYMI
- Don’t miss our latest GMA Insights:
- Watch our newest explainer video focused on book and claim for zero emission trucking and our work in strategic partnership with Smart Freight Centre.
- Listen to the SAF Investor podcast for a conversation with Andre de Fontaine discussing SABA and SABA’s 2025 procurements.
- Learn more about pathways to sustainable flight – SABA’s May webinar is viewable on demand.
Upcoming Events
California Global Hydrogen Energy Transition Summit
June 30-July 1 | Sacramento, CA
Edmond Yi is participating in the session, “H2 Certification – Standardizing Green-e and International Certification of Clean/Renewable H2”
GMA is a Supporting Sponsor of this event.
Argus North Americas Biofuels, LCFS & Carbon Markets Summit
September 15-17 | Monterey, CA
Edmond Yi is an invited speaker for this event.
Climate Week NYC 2025
September 21-28, 2025 | NYC
GMA representatives will be participating in a diverse agenda of convenings and discussions. Stay tuned for details on the week’s events, including the second annual Green Markets Day.
SAF North America Congress 2025
October 14-16, 2025 | Houston
GMA will be joined by SABA stakeholders for sessions focused on corporate action in the SAF market.
VERGE hosted at Trellis Impact 2025
October 28-30, 2025 | San Jose
GMA representatives will participate in multiple panels throughout the conference. Stay tuned for more!
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