White Paper

The European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) came into force in January 2005. It is the largest multi-country, multi-sector scheme of its kind in the world.
The EU ETS will commence a cap-and-trade system for aviation CO₂ emissions in 2010, with full trading beginning in 2012. The impetus for airlines to meet their obligations under EU ETS is twofold: there is the need to meet legal requirements, and also the potential to reduce the financial impact of the scheme. Further, there is a possible increase in revenue to be made from CO₂ trading. Working with a reliable and accurate third-party verifier of emissions will play a critical role. This white paper examines the requirements put into place under the EU ETS and looks at methods of best practice for both airlines and verifiers in ensuring they are met.