Decarbonisation Technology May 2025 Issue

and verifying emissions reductions, the ISCC CTS encourages investment in SAF production, accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to net-zero emissions. Several industry leaders, such as United Airlines, DHL Express, Neste, Cosmo Oil, OMV, and Microsoft, have recognised this and have already adopted the CTS in their sustainability strategies. DHL Express, for example, is integrating ISCC credits into its GoGreen Plus programme, which allows customers to offset air freight emissions. Another case is Neste Impact, a solution that enables companies to reduce the carbon footprint of their air and transport activities by using SAF tracked through the ISCC CTS. Expanding credit transfers: supporting aviation, shipping, and beyond The future of the ISCC CTS is promising, as it has the potential for broader application in a wide array of varying sectors, such as AMF within shipping markets. The system will likely expand further as industries increasingly adopt alternative fuels and set emission reduction targets. As the market evolves, ISCC remains committed to improving the CTS through continued collaboration and engagement with stakeholders to support the industry in scaling such fuels efficiently and transparently to achieve the quantifiable emissions savings required to meet net-zero targets. The introduction of sustainably certified fuels is more than an opportunity – it is a responsibility for stakeholders within the aviation and maritime markets. By leveraging certification and voluntary credit transfers, organisations have the potential to drive the transition to a low-carbon future while ensuring credibility and transparency in their climate commitments. Collaboration, innovation, and accountability will define the next era of sustainable transport – those who lead today will shape the industry for generations to come.

ensure they meet the requirements and manage transactions according to the rules set forth. When complete, certified SAF suppliers register SAF volumes and generate credits for verified SAF batches delivered to an airport in the ISCC Registry. Following verification, each metric ton of neat SAF generates a Scope 1 and Scope 3 credit in the supplier’s account, which can then be transferred to, or managed for, other stakeholders. Leaning on principles defined by the GHG Protocol (GHGP, 2004) and SBTi (SBTi, 2021) , Scope 1 credits are transferred to the aircraft operator that physically uplifts the SAF, which corresponds to a direct emission reduction from SAF combustion, and Scope 3 credits are passed down the supply chain for downstream utilisation. Therefore, Scope 3 credits to offset emissions associated with air transport or business travel may only be transferred downstream in the value chain; for example, from the SAF supplier to the aircraft operator to the end customer or from the SAF supplier directly to the end customer. Upstream transfer (for example, from the end customer back to the aircraft operator) or across value chains (for example, from aircraft operator to aircraft operator) is not possible. Organisations with credits available in their accounts then retire these credits and automatically receive a retirement declaration. This declaration includes information that allows the organisation to claim sustainability characteristics, such as the GHG emissions reductions associated with the retired credits in their voluntary climate disclosures. Driving market confidence and investment in sustainable fuels For alternative fuel suppliers, certification and credits offer a competitive advantage in the market by demonstrating the environmental credentials of their products. For airlines, logistic providers, and corporate end customers, the ability to purchase certified SAF and the associated sustainability benefits via a crediting mechanism provides a clear path to achieve credible emissions reduction targets and the ability to reliably communicate such claims. As a market-orientated mechanism for tracking

VIEW REFERENCES

Laura Günther guenther@iscc-system.org