Sustainable Aviation Fuels

There is an urgent need to reduce aviation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as acknowledged by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Its member states have set ambitious targets to cut GHG emissions from air travel, including a shared long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. ISCC certification is an important tool for demonstrating compliance with regional and international regulations and achieving a low-carbon future by promoting, verifying and accelerating sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

ISCC Credit Transfer System

Through certification, we verify SAF’s environmental credentials along the supply chain, typically concluding at airport delivery or earlier. The ISCC CTS tracks SAF claims following uplift, enabling airlines, logistics providers, and corporate end-customers to credibly report emissions reductions from SAF purchases.

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Why Sustainable Aviation Fuels Matter

• SAF are non-conventional (non-fossil-derived) aviation fuels with the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by as much as 80% compared to traditional fuels.
• Drop-in fuels: SAF’s chemical and physical characteristics closely resemble those of conventional jet fuel, enabling use in current aircraft and infrastructure without modifications.
• Certified SAF must meet sustainability criteria, such as lowering lifecycle carbon emissions, maintaining or enhancing soil health, and avoiding high-carbon stock lands for feedstocks.

Our Applicable Schemes

ISCC EU

Is our global flagship certification scheme for sustainable transport fuels, recognised under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III). With regards to the aviation industry, it covers certification under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.

ISCC PLUS

Is our globally applicable voluntary certification scheme, covering all feedstocks and markets. Sustainable aviation fuels certified under ISCC PLUS can be used to make claims in voluntary markets.

ISCC CORSIA

Is our globally recognised certification scheme under ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation ensuring sustainability, traceability, and life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies for SAF as CORSIA Eligible Fuels (CEF).

Market and Policy Drivers

The aviation industry is under growing pressure to decarbonise while continuing to connect people and markets globally:

ReFuelEU Aviation

Within Europe, the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation introduces binding requirements for the gradual uptake of sustainable aviation fuels, supporting the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

ICAO CORSIA

At the global level, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which sets a framework for stabilising and then reducing aviation emissions, contributing to the sector’s long-term net zero ambition.

ISCC Academy & Events – Supporting Aviation’s Path to Net Zero

ISCC Technical Stakeholder Meeting – Sustainable Aviation Fuels

ISCC EU Training

ISCC CORSIA Training

ISCC PLUS Training

ISCC EU Co-Processing Training

ISCC at External Conferences