The CO2 Standard will apply to all new aircraft models launched after 2020. The standard will also be phased in for all existing aircraft types rolling off the production line from 2023, even if they were designed and launched prior to 2020. A production cut-off date of 2028 has been recommended for any aircraft that do not comply with the CO2 Standard. The standard will be reviewed periodically to increase its stringency in line with technological advancement. ICAO has a long track record of implementing similar standards in noise, safety, security and air navigation. Once the CO2 Standard is formally adopted by the ICAO Council, it will be implemented by national civil aviation authorities around the world and will be part of the rigorous certification process that all new aircraft must meet before entering service.
The CO2 Standard is part of a wider series of industry initiatives aimed at reducing aviation’s impact on the climate. For its part, ACI has developed the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, launched in 2009, which helps airports become certified across four levels: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization and Neutrality. As of early January 2016, 151 airports worldwide have been certified, representing 31.2% of global air passenger traffic. As an adjunct to Airport Carbon Accreditation, ACI offers the Airport Carbon and Emissions Reporting Tool (ACERT) at no cost to help airports track their carbon emissions.
“Today’s agreement represents an important next step in aviation’s commitment to tackle climate change, and ICAO is to be commended for agreeing on the CO2 Standard,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. “The industry is moving forward collectively with ambitious goals—and more importantly making measureable progress—to cap net CO2 emissions from 2020 and reduce net CO2 emissions from aviation to half of 2005 levels by 2050.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the future of aviation depends on our dedication to the cause of environmental stewardship,” Gittens added. “Today’s agreement underscores the sector’s united stance on carbon emissions reduction.”