ISCC CORSIA

ISCC CORSIA Standard: Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

The ISCC CORSIA (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification - Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) standard is a certification framework designed to support the aviation industry's commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction. This standard aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) CORSIA initiative, which aims to manage and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation. The ISCC CORSIA standard provides a structured approach to verify the sustainability of aviation fuels, ensuring they meet rigorous environmental and social criteria.

Scope

The ISCC CORSIA standard covers the certification of aviation fuels to ensure they are sustainable and compliant with CORSIA requirements. It includes criteria for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, sustainability of feedstocks, and social and environmental impacts of fuel production. The standard applies to all stakeholders in the aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, traders, and suppliers.

Requirements

1. Sustainability Criteria:
   • Feedstock Requirements: The standard mandates that feedstocks used in aviation fuels must be sourced sustainably. This includes compliance with criteria related to land use change, biodiversity conservation, and protection of natural habitats.
   • GHG Emissions Reduction: Certified aviation fuels must demonstrate a significant reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. This includes a comprehensive assessment of emissions from feedstock cultivation, processing, transportation, and final use.
2. Certification Process:
   • Application: Entities seeking certification must submit an application detailing their operations, feedstocks, and fuel production processes. The application must include documentation demonstrating compliance with ISCC CORSIA requirements.
   • Audit and Verification: A third-party audit is required to verify compliance with the standard. Auditors will assess the applicant’s operations, including feedstock sourcing, production processes, and GHG emissions data.
   • Certification Issuance: Upon successful audit, a certification is issued, confirming that the aviation fuel meets the ISCC CORSIA requirements. Certification is valid for a specified period, after which re-certification is necessary.
3. Monitoring and Reporting:
   • Ongoing Monitoring: Certified entities must continuously monitor their operations to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard. This includes regular internal audits and data collection on GHG emissions and sustainability metrics.
   • Reporting Requirements: Entities must submit periodic reports to the certifying body, detailing their compliance status, GHG emissions reductions, and sustainability performance. Reports must be accurate and complete, reflecting real-time data.
4. Compliance and Non-Compliance:
   • Compliance: Entities that meet all requirements of the ISCC CORSIA standard are considered compliant. They are eligible to participate in CORSIA and benefit from recognition of their sustainable fuel practices.
   • Non-Compliance: In cases of non-compliance, corrective actions must be taken within a specified timeframe. Failure to address non-compliance issues may result in suspension or revocation of certification.
5. Documentation and Record Keeping:
   • Required Documentation: Entities must maintain detailed records related to feedstock sourcing, production processes, GHG emissions calculations, and sustainability practices. This documentation is crucial for audits and compliance verification.
   • Record Retention: Records must be kept for a specified period, as defined by the certifying body, to facilitate audits and ensure traceability of compliance.

Benefits

• Environmental Impact: The ISCC CORSIA standard helps reduce the carbon footprint of aviation fuels by ensuring significant GHG emissions reductions and promoting the use of sustainable feedstocks.
• Market Access: Certification provides access to markets and trading platforms that prioritize sustainable and low-carbon fuels, enhancing business opportunities and competitiveness.
• Reputation and Credibility: Achieving ISCC CORSIA certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, improving the reputation and credibility of certified entities.

Conclusion

The ISCC CORSIA standard is a crucial tool for advancing sustainability in the aviation sector. By adhering to its requirements, stakeholders can ensure their aviation fuels are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and aligned with global carbon reduction goals. Through rigorous certification processes, ongoing monitoring, and transparent reporting, the ISCC CORSIA standard supports the transition to a more sustainable aviation industry.