CO2 Calculation

At Climate.aero®, we are committed to a greener aviation industry by providing CO2 calculations essential for effective compensation measures. Our unique method combines transponder data with specific aircraft performance profiles to estimate the CO2 emissions of flights. Here's how this process works and the benefits it offers.

Transponder data
Transponder data is crucial for our CO2 calculations. Aircraft equipped with an ADS-B transponder emit signals every few seconds, including vital information such as location and time. These signals collectively create a detailed flight profile, offering insights into the duration of taxiing, the climb phase, cruising altitude, and more. For aircraft without an ADS-B transponder, we use MLAT (multilateration) to determine the position, though this is less accurate. In cases where data is missing due to the absence of signals, our algorithm interpolates the missing information to complete the picture.

Performance Profiles
The performance profile, or fuel flow profile, is another critical component of our calculation method. This profile reflects fuel consumption during different flight phases and at different altitudes. By combining this information with transponder data, we can estimate the total fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions.

Climate.aero has utilized various sources to curate its database with aircraft profiles, including aircraft manufacturers, pilot operating handbooks, and user-defined profiles.

While our method is advanced, there are some limitations. Factors such as aircraft loading, outside air temperature and power settings, which together significantly impact fuel consumption, are not or not always accounted for. Additionally, for some aircraft models, we use a generalized profile for all aircraft with the same ICAO aircraft type. This can result in deviations in the estimated CO2 emissions. We aim to limit this deviation to a maximum of 15%, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the calculations. Therefore, it is important to note that our calculations are best-effort estimations.

For a more accurate estimate, clients can provide a customized fuel profile that takes into account the specific aircraft model, average loading, and most frequently used power settings. The option to provide a customized fuel profile is also available for customers on the free plan, and by doing so, we aim to enhance the quality of the data published on Climate.aero.

We also offer our customers the opportunity to review and adjust calculations before a compensation bill is issued. This allows them to prevent any potential financial implications resulting from deviations in the calculation.

Climate.aero is the only compensation program predicting emissions for the entire private aviation community, distinguishing Climate.aero as a leader in environmental responsibility. Here are the key benefits of our approach:

Accuracy
While not perfect, our calculation method provides a solid basis for compensation. Factors such as flight duration and route variations are taken into account to accurately estimate the amount of emitted CO2.

Simplicity and Convenience
Our system is designed around the 'set and forget' principle, recognizing that our clients are committed to reducing their climate impact but often lack the time for complex processes. Once the compensation mechanism is set up, our customers don't need to worry about the intricacies of calculating and compensating for their carbon footprint. Climate.aero handles the entire process, from data collection to compensation, ensuring simplicity and peace of mind.

The privacy and security of our clients are paramount. For aircraft registered with the FAA or Eurocontrol for limited display, we hide location data by default to protect the privacy of the owners. 
Aircraft owners- and operators can control which info will be displayed on the aircraft page via the transparancy settings, available in their Climate.aero dashboard. 

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Climate.aero is a startup with a clear mission: to lead the general aviation industry towards a greener future by empowering aircraft owners with eco-conscious solutions. Our dedicated team is committed to pioneering innovative services that prioritize environmental sustainability and efficiency. At Climate.aero, we don't just promote eco-friendly practices; we facilitate aircraft owners in adopting them.

More about Climate.aero

Are you a private aircraft owner or operator wondering if Climate.aero is the right fit for you? Our services are tailored specifically for individuals and organizations in the private aviation sector. It's our goal to facilitate aircraft owners and operators with the most advanced tools for becoming climate neutral.

At this moment, we do not offer a service yet for passengers wishing to offset a single flight. However, stay tuned for updates as we continue to expand our offerings to better serve your needs.

See if Climate.aero is right for you

If you opt for our 'set and forget' compensation program, we offer three compensation levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum Partner. With this program, you will only be billed for compensation when your aircraft has been flying, eliminating fixed costs. Additionally, we handle all the calculations and procurement of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) credits and voluntary carbon credits on your behalf.

It's worth noting that the cost for compensating is very small compared to the total operation costs of an aircraft, typically representing only a few percent of the total. When you decide to 'start compensating,' you can easily obtain a cost estimation tailored to your particular aircraft and average number of flights per month. This process involves just a few simple steps, and the cost estimation is completely free and non-binding.

For aircraft owners already utilizing a third-party compensation program, we offer the option to publish their compensation amounts for free. If you wish to have these figures accredited by us, a small membership fee is charged.

Using Climate.aero to document CO2 compensation enhances an aircraft's reputation and can increase its resale value. An aircraft with a proven compensation history not only benefits the current owner's reputation but also positively impacts the reputation of any future owner, making it more valuable than a similar aircraft without such a history.