Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection of ICAO proposed binding carbon emission standards for aviation industry

Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) of United Nations’ (UN) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on 8 February 2016 proposed binding carbon emission standards for aviation industry. Hence, it paved the way for its ultimate adoption by ICAO Governing Council.

CAEP has ensured that the full range of sizes and types of aircraft used in international aviation used in present times are covered while proposing the standards. And it comprehensively encompassed all technological feasibility, emissions reduction potential, and cost considerations.

CAEP Recommendations on the Carbon Emission Standards(CES):

• The new CO2 emissions standard would not only be applicable to new aircraft type designs as of 2020, but also to new deliveries of current in-production aircraft types from 2023.

• A cut-off date of 2028 for production of aircraft that do not comply with the standard was also recommended.

• In its current form the standard equitably acknowledges CO2 reductions arising from a range of possible technology innovations, whether structural, aerodynamic or propulsion-based.

• The proposed global standard is especially stringent where it will have the greatest impact: for larger aircraft.

• Operations of aircraft weighing over 60 tonnes account for more than 90% of international aviation emissions.

• They also have access to the broadest range of emissions reduction technologies, which the standard recognizes.

Goal of proposed carbon emission standards

The goal of this process is ultimately to ensure that when the next generation of aircraft types enters service, there will be guaranteed reductions in international CO2 emissions. The aviation sector at present accounts for fewer than 2 percent of the world’s annual CO2 emissions.

However, it is estimated that global passengers and flights would be doubled by 2030 which should be managed responsibly and sustainably.

About International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

• It is a UN specialized agency which was established in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

• It works with the Convention’s 191 Member States and industry groups to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

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