Clearer SAF Rules Could Unlock Corporate Travel Emissions Reduction

Reducing emissions linked to aviation is challenging. Unlike road transport for example, there are no scalable alternatives such as electric alternatives today; making Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the only viable near-term technology solution.

Many roadblocks however remain to make SAF affordable and available at scale. GBTA's latest Acceleration Challenge results show that only 15% of companies currently purchase SAF, mainly because of unclear rules, and higher costs. This makes strong, consistent guidance from SBTi even more important to help unlock demand.

SBTi's new draft guidance: a positive step forward

The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) has released new draft guidance that could make it easier for companies to reduce emissions from business travel. For the first time, SBTi formally acknowledges that companies can use the environmental benefits of SAF purchased through a book-and-claim system, called SAF environmental attributes certificates, to help meet their climate targets. If adopted, this updated guidance provides much-needed confidence that companies can use certificates to help reduce business travel emissions reduction.

This is an encouraging signal for travel programs looking for practical, near-term climate solutions. It also reflects growing trust in SAF as a credible way to cut aviation emissions.

GBTA's key priority is reflected

Earlier this year, GBTA submitted a Position Statement to SBTi on behalf of corporate travel buyers. One of our main requests was for explicit, lasting recognition of SAF book-and-claim as a valid reduction. The draft guidance moves strongly in this direction. At the same time, some important details still need to be clarified to ensure companies can act confidently and that SAF demand isn't slowed.

GBTA advocating on behalf of the industry

GBTA is submitting a full response to the SBTi consultation to ensure that the interests of the business travel community are represented. We worked with our Sustainability Partners to develop clear, practical recommendations grounded in real-world travel program experience and the realities of today's SAF market.

What Corporate Buyers Need to Know

Where We See Progress

SBTi has taken an important step by recognizing that companies can buy certificates linked to low-carbon fuels to help reduce their travel emissions. However, the draft guidance does not clearly name SAF, which could create unnecessary confusion. A simple, explicit reference to SAF would make it easier for companies to act with confidence.

Where More Clarification is Needed

1. Clear rules for companies with existing climate targets: SBTi plans to introduce its updated rules in 2028, but it's not clear whether companies can start using the rules introduced in this version before then. We are urging SBTi to make it clear that companies can apply the new guidance, specifically for SAF, to their current targets so momentum is not lost.

1. Clarity on the long-term role of book-and-claim: SBTi still treats book-and-claim as a temporary solution, without explaining whether companies can rely on it long-term. Both companies and fuel producers need stable, predictable rules to sign multi-year SAF deals and unlock new supply.

1. New concepts that don't match today's SAF reality: Some of the new concepts introduced in the draft, such as buying certificates "close to where emissions occur", don't work for SAF today, because SAF is only produced in a few locations worldwide. More flexible guidance is needed so companies can buy SAF certificates regardless of where they travel.

1. Recognition for company-owned or charter flights: For companies that charter flights or run their own aircraft, using book-and-claim is often the only practical way to reduce emissions. We are asking SBTi to formally recognize this so that SAF investments are not limited to commercial travel.

1. Consistent, simple, global rules: Lastly, SBTi's principles around accuracy and transparency are important, but they must be applied in a way that works with today's SAF tracking systems. Overly complex rules could slow adoption instead of accelerating it. SBTi should align with established experts such as RSB and ISCC to ensure consistency across the industry.

Progress, not perfection should be the guiding principle

The latest SBTi draft marks meaningful progress for corporate business travel decarbonization, bringing much needed recognition of SAF environmental attribute certificates as a valid mechanism for meeting Science Based Targets.

For companies looking to take practical next steps, GBTA's SAF Playbook for Corporates offers simple, actionable guidance on how to assess, budget for, and purchase SAF certificates through book-and-claim.

GBTA will continue championing the needs of travel buyers as these standards evolve.

For any corporate that still wishes to provide a submission to SBTi, GBTA's suggested language and instructions are available HERE.

However, many corporate travel programs are still early in their sustainability journey. GBTA's Sustainable Business Travel Pathway provides a clear roadmap to help companies understand where SAF fits into a broader emissions-reduction strategy.

To learn more about the GBTA Foundation and our work on SAF, visit GBTA SAF Corporate Connect