SAF Corporate Connect

SAF is currently more expensive than traditional jet fuel, with prices that can be two to four times higher, though this cost gap is expected to decrease as production scales and technology advances. The higher cost is due to factors like complex production processes, limited feedstock availability, and lower economies of scale in current SAF production.  

For many companies, cost is the number one barrier to increased SAF adoption. However, according to the GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge, 21% of companies as part of their travel policies allow travelers to pay more for a sustainable alternative (i.e. lower emission flight, more sustainable accommodation), and surveys show that corporates with sustainability targets are willing to pay $300 per ton of CO2 emissions abated for SAF certificates, on average. 

The industry anticipates that with increased investment and production volume, SAF costs will become more competitive with fossil fuels.  

The book and claim system decouples environmental attributes from the physical product (i.e., fuel), enabling these attributes to be purchased and traded separately from the actual fuel. This allows corporates to credibly purchase SAF certificates for flights occurring in locations where physical SAF is not available, and then claim the environmental benefits in their emissions reporting with an “auditable and credible trail of ownership.” This separation supports SAF growth and is essential for scaling SAF globally.  

A SAF Registry is an electronic platform for tracking and verifying SAF transactions (including book and claim transactions). These registries enable the transparent accounting of SAF by allowing the issuance, transfer, and retirement of certificates, ensuring that emissions reductions are not double-counted or double-claimed.  

Key examples include Avelia, a blockchain-powered book and claim solution developed by Shell, Accenture, Energy Web Foundation (EWF), and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT); the RSB Book & Claim Registry, developed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), the SAFc Registry, founded by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), in collaboration with the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) and Energy Web; and the SAF Registry, launched by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and managed by the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO).  

Different types of SAF have differing benefits, tradeoffs, and levels of emissions reduction. No matter the type of SAF, companies should only invest in SAF certified by reputable, globally recognized certification bodies such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) and International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). According to ISCC, “for aviation fuels to be deemed as ‘sustainable’ they must meet certain sustainability criteria, including for instance a reduction in life cycle carbon emissions and ensuring that feedstocks used for SAF production are not obtained from high carbon stock lands.”  

It is generally accepted that SAF can achieve a lifecycle emissions reduction (or “carbon abatement”) up to 80-85%, compared to fossil fuels. The minimum carbon abatement threshold of SAF to meet Net Zero targets varies: some organizations, such as the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA), ISCC, and RSB, set the standard at 60%, while carbon abatement thresholds in Europe under the ReFuelEU Aviation directive are higher at 80-85%. Companies with more aggressive Net Zero targets might consider purchasing SAF certificates with a higher carbon abatement threshold (i.e. 80-85%). 

Detailed information on the sustainability implications of different types of SAF can be found via the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). 

Companies should aim first to manage and measure their business travel emissions, encourage employees to travel smarter, and partner with travel suppliers with robust sustainability targets. The GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge provides a holistic pathway and approach to tackling business travel emissions at the company level.  

However, when it comes to abating emissions from air travel that cannot be avoided, SAF is one of the few solutions available now that corporates can utilize to meet their Net Zero goals. Meanwhile, airlines are working on other technological innovations and efficiency improvements (i.e. hydrogen and electric) that will play a key role in aviation’s long-term Net Zero journey.