IATA releases net zero tracking methodology
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the Net Zero Tracking Methodology will collect and consolidate data provided by IATA member airlines on a yearly basis.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced its Net Zero Tracking Methodology, a comprehensive framework to track and report the aviation industry’s progress towards achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability, IATA will publish an annual report, titled Track Zero, which will assess industry-level advancements.
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the Net Zero Tracking Methodology will collect and consolidate data provided by IATA member airlines on a yearly basis. The aggregated industry data for the previous calendar year will be validated and released in the fourth quarter of each year. The inaugural report is scheduled for publication next year. Non-IATA member airlines are also encouraged to participate by sharing their data for inclusion in the report.
“Transparency is a critical element of aviation’s decarbonization. We will report our progress annually to ensure standardized, accurate and comprehensive reporting of aviation’s journey to net zero. Industry-level data in the Track Zero report will help airlines, governments, and investors with tools to improve decision-making to accelerate progress,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist, in a July 6 press release.
The annual Track Zero report will help airlines benchmark their own decarbonization efforts. The Net Zero Tracking Methodology will also help them communicate their progress to key stakeholders, including governments, investors, and customers.
“Decarbonization is an industry challenge, not a competitive issue. Nonetheless, the report and the methodology behind it can enable benchmarking that could intensify decarbonization efforts by spreading the success of best practices and sparking innovation,” said Owens Thomsen in the same press release.
The Net Zero Tracking Methodology boasts several key features including:
Standardization: The methodology creates a transparent framework for accurate industry-wide reporting by identifying the scope, sources, and processes to track and measure emissions.
Accuracy: The methodology streamlines data collection and validation, reducing administrative burdens.
Comprehensiveness: The methodology enables reporting of decarbonization activities throughout the lifecycle, including conventional and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage, carbon offsets/carbon capture, and future power sources like hybrid-electric, electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
