The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a global market-based measure aimed at mitigating the aviation sector's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), CORSIA addresses the aviation industry’s impact on climate change by requiring airlines to offset their carbon emissions through investments in environmental projects.

Aviation, being a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, is expected to experience continued growth. ICAO implemented CORSIA to help the sector manage its environmental footprint. Launched in 2016 and adopted by ICAO member states, CORSIA aims to stabilize emissions from international aviation at 2020 levels by offsetting any emissions above this baseline. This scheme is part of a broader set of measures ICAO is promoting to improve fuel efficiency and adopt alternative fuels within the aviation industry.

Requirements for CORSIA

CORSIA establishes a multi-phase approach with specific requirements for ICAO member states and operators:

Emission monitoring and reporting (MRV)

• Monitoring: Aircraft operators are required to monitor and report CO2 emissions from international flights. This involves using standardized procedures for measuring fuel use and calculating CO2 emissions.

• Reporting: Operators must report their annual CO2 emissions to their respective state authorities. These states then submit the data to ICAO, ensuring transparency and consistency in global aviation emissions data.

• Verification: Emissions data must be verified by independent third-party auditors to ensure accuracy and compliance with CORSIA's requirements. The ICAO CORSIA Central Registry (CCR) consolidates the emissions data reported by member states.

 

Offsetting requirements

• Baseline calculation: The baseline for CORSIA is the average of international aviation emissions for 2019 and 2020. Any emissions exceeding this baseline in subsequent years must be offset.

• Offsetting obligations: Starting in 2021, participating airlines are required to offset the growth in their CO2 emissions from international flights relative to the 2019-2020 baseline. This is achieved by purchasing carbon credits from approved environmental projects.

• Eligible carbon credits: CORSIA sets stringent eligibility criteria for carbon offset programs, ensuring that projects provide real, measurable, and permanent emission reductions. These programs often include renewable energy, reforestation, and energy efficiency initiatives.

Phased implementation

• Pilot phase (2021-2023): Voluntary participation by ICAO member states. During this phase, countries can choose to participate, enabling the aviation sector to gradually adapt to the scheme’s requirements.

• First phase (2024-2026): Still voluntary, allowing more states to join and expanding the coverage of CORSIA to include more international flights.

• Second phase (2027-2035): This phase becomes mandatory for most ICAO member states, except for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). This broader participation helps ensure that international aviation’s carbon footprint is effectively managed.

Steps to be taken for CORSIA compliance

To meet CORSIA’s requirements, airlines and states need to undertake a series of steps:

Establish emissions monitoring plans

• Develop monitoring plans: Aircraft operators must develop an emissions monitoring plan detailing the methods they will use to monitor fuel consumption and calculate CO2 emissions. This plan must be submitted to the state authority for approval.

• Choose monitoring method: Operators can choose from several approved methods for monitoring fuel use, such as fuel measurement on-board or fuel uplift records. The chosen method must be detailed in the monitoring plan.

• Train personnel: Staff must be trained to accurately monitor and record emissions data. Proper training ensures compliance and minimizes errors in emissions calculations.

Monitor and report emissions

• Monitor fuel use: Operators must monitor fuel consumption for international flights, following the approved monitoring plan. This involves recording fuel uplifts and returns for each flight leg to accurately calculate CO2 emissions.

• Prepare emissions reports: Compile annual emissions data into an emissions report, which is then submitted to the state authority. The report must conform to CORSIA’s reporting requirements, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

• Third-party verification: Submit the emissions report for independent third-party verification. Verified reports are sent to the state authority, which then submits the consolidated data to the ICAO CORSIA Central Registry.

Calculate offsetting obligations

• Determine emissions growth: Compare the operator's annual emissions to the baseline to determine if there is an excess that requires offsetting.

• Calculate offset requirements: Based on emissions growth, calculate the number of carbon credits required to offset excess emissions. These credits must be purchased from ICAO-approved carbon offset programs.

• Develop a strategy: Operators should develop a long-term offsetting strategy, identifying the types of carbon credits to purchase and the timing of acquisitions to meet their obligations cost-effectively.

 

Purchase carbon offsets

• Select carbon credits: Purchase eligible carbon credits from approved programs. These programs must meet ICAO’s criteria for offsetting projects, ensuring environmental integrity and additionality.

• Retire credits: Credits used for offsetting must be retired, meaning they cannot be resold or used for any other purpose. This retirement process must be documented and reported to the state authority.

Regular review and update

• Review monitoring plans: Regularly review and update emissions monitoring plans to reflect changes in operations or regulations.

• Prepare for phase changes: As CORSIA progresses through its phases, operators and states must stay informed about changes in participation requirements and offsetting obligations.

• Stay informed: Engage with industry groups and regulatory bodies to stay up-to-date on CORSIA developments, ensuring continued compliance with the evolving requirements.

CORSIA represents a global effort to curb the aviation industry's impact on climate change by requiring airlines to monitor, report, and offset their carbon emissions. By setting a baseline and creating a phased approach to offsetting, CORSIA provides a framework for sustainable growth in the aviation sector. Compliance involves meticulous monitoring, accurate reporting, and proactive offsetting strategies, which ultimately contribute to global emission reduction goals. Airlines and states must take these steps seriously to ensure the aviation industry moves toward a more sustainable future.