Methodology
Climate.aero® has developed a comprehensive four-step methodology to address the environmental impact of private flying. Our approach not only aims to mitigate the carbon footprint associated with aviation but also encourages a more sustainable practice within the community. Here's an overview:
The first step involves raising awareness about the climate impact of private flying. We encourage considering alternative modes of transport whenever possible. However, if flying is unavoidable, we advise pilots to use the 'best economy' power settings. This practice not only benefits the environment but can also lead to significant savings in fuel costs.
Before any compensation can be made, it is essential to understand the extent of your carbon emissions. Calculating your CO2 footprint may seem daunting, but it is a crucial step. Climate.aero simplifies this process by using transponder data from your aircraft to make a reasonable estimate of CO2 emissions. Importantly, you have the ability to refine this calculation by providing a fuel profile specific to your situation, ensuring the accuracy of our assessment. You can even correct individual calculations before a compensation bill is issued. So, although you can also adhere to our 'set and forget' principle, you still have full control.
For a detailed explanation of our calculations, please refer to the Calculation information.
As soon as the amount of emitted CO2 is calculated, you must decide how much and in what manner you wish to lower your climate impact. The primary consideration is to compensate for the CO2 directly emitted through fuel burn. This can be achieved through Climate.aero's Silver Compensation level. However, CO2 is not the only factor influencing climate impact. The 2022 IPCC report noted that non-CO2 impacts are twice as significant as CO2 impacts. Therefore, to neutralize all impacts, compensation for 300% is recommended, as reflected in Climate.aero's Gold and Platinum compensation levels.
The distinction between the Gold and Platinum compensation levels lies in the method used to neutralize CO2. Our methodology differentiates between direct CO2 emissions reduction through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Inset) and compensating for emissions by investing in projects aimed at reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere (Offset).
Inset:
Direct CO2 reduction can be achieved by using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Since SAF may not be widely available at airports, the industry has developed the concept of SAF Credits. These credits allow you to claim the CO2 reduction benefits of SAF without physically using SAF in your aircraft. SAF Credits are part of the Platinum Compensation level offered by Climate.aero.
Offset:
Offsetting involves neutralizing the CO2 emissions from your aircraft by investing in projects that remove CO2 from the air. It's vital to select these projects carefully, as there are many ineffective initiatives worldwide. To ensure that our investments genuinely contribute to carbon reduction, Climate.aero exclusively supports projects certified by VERRA and Gold Standard, two leading organizations in project verification
Given the societal scrutiny over private flying, it is crucial for the aviation community to effectively communicate the steps being taken to minimize its climate impact. Transparency and education about these efforts can help mitigate criticism and highlight the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Climate.aero is unique compared to other compensation programs in the way it communicates about the climate impact and efforts of private aviation. We have curated profiles for over 200,000 aircraft, providing a detailed overview of the amount of emitted and compensated CO2 for the majority of them.
For more information about the way Climate.aero helps you communicate, please refer to the Reporting information
Solution for the Compliance Market
At Climate.aero, we're dedicated to offering solutions for both voluntary and compliance markets within the aviation industry. While our current methodology caters to voluntary participants, we're excited to announce the upcoming launch of tailored solutions specifically designed for compliance markets, slated for early 2025.
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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.
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.
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.