Aviation

If the aviation sector was a nation, it would be among the top 10 greenhouse gas emitters in the world. Demand for air travel and transport is projected to continue growing at a rapid pace in the coming decades, creating increased urgency for technologies that can quickly reduce emissions from this sector. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is available today as a drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel and offers significant reductions in carbon intensity, but limited supply and distribution make it difficult for aviation customers to access.

GMA, through its predecessor organization Neoteric Energy & Climate and in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and RMI, pioneered a series of collective procurements for sustainable aviation fuel on behalf of a buyers’ alliance that leveraged a book-and-claim approach. These efforts allowed climate-conscious air travel and freight purchasers to address their Scope 3 emissions through environmental attribute certificates, known as SAF certificates, purchased through bi-lateral contracts with suppliers. The certificate model allows the environmental attributes, principally CO2 reductions, to be separated from the physical fuel, allowing buyers a more flexible pathway to decarbonize their Scope 3 emissions from flight.

Engagement through SABA

Today, these initiatives through the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) continue to accelerate the path to net zero air transport by driving investment into high quality SAF, catalyzing new SAF production and technological innovation, and supporting member engagement in policymaking. SABA is a joint initiative of EDF and RMI, and GMA serves as the Secretariat.

SABA is the most established of the programs within GMA’s work. Its RFPs to date have culminated in historic agreements to purchase SAF certificates, channeling close to $200 million of investment into the SAF market.

To become a SABA member or learn more, visit flysaba.org