Climate change was first mentioned in the early 19th century. This was when the greenhouse effects were first noticed. Since then, scientists have studied this phenomenon with increasingly sophisticated and accurate tools.
By the end of the 20th century, scientists agreed that significant warming would occur during the 21st century.
Today, all industries need to look at how they can help. Aviation sustainability is an important part of this issue. According to studies, the aviation industry is responsible for 2.5% of all global CO² emissions.
However, what this figure doesn’t show is how much the aviation industry has already done toward sustainability. The current higher emissions from the industry are a result of increased demand despite more efficient engines and procedures.
Aviation Sustainability Efforts
The aviation industry isn’t standing still. There are numerous steps already being taken.
Propulsion Systems
Jet engines emit several contaminants, including CO², the primary driver of climate change. Engine manufacturers have been gradually improving the efficiency of these engines to lower emissions. However, they remain the best choice for long haul flights.
In contrast, turboprop engines have been shown to produce fewer emissions and use less fuel. When looking at short haul flights, turboprop propulsion aircraft are the more efficient and sustainable option. A turboprop plane will emit 45% less emissions, and use 45% less fuel than a same size jet plane used for the same flight.
Aviation Fuel
Interest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has grown dramatically in recent years. ATR is one of the first embrace this alternate fuel. In 2022, they completed the first flight of a commercial plane with 100% SAF.
Within the next five years, all ATR planes will run on SAF, reducing CO² emissions by an impressive 80%.
Net-Zero Goals
Many companies and manufacturers in the aviation industry are dedicated to net-zero. ATR is committed to achieving this by 2050. They will achieve net-zero via a series of short-term goals and reductions in line with the Paris Agreement.
Key Aviation Sustainability Metrics
To achieve true aviation sustainability, it’s essential to measure the results. These are the metrics that matter.
Footprint
This is a straightforward principle. Every aviation business should know its carbon emissions. This confirms the overall impact on the planet.
Additionally, knowing your emission level allows you to set achievable goals and monitor your progress toward them.
Efficiency
Efficiency is best described as the emissions from a specific engine or plane. Again, understanding what they are allows you to set a reduction target and monitor your progress.
Decoupling
Decoupling is effectively the ratio between CO2 emissions and the amount of aviation activity offered.
In other words, to reach the desired net-zero emission target, it’s necessary to monitor industry growth versus emissions. Decoupling allows emissions to be reduced while the airline offers more flights and greater capacity.
This is only possible thanks to new and developing technologies. Monitoring decoupling is vital to ensure the industry is heading toward true aviation sustainability.
This is a contributed post. Give Me The Mike received compensation for this content.
