RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) and World Energy have announced a significant agreement for the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc) aimed at reducing emissions from RMI’s essential business travel and promoting decarbonization within the aviation sector. This marks RMI’s second and largest acquisition of SAFc to date, anticipated to yield a reduction of 954 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions over the next five years—equivalent to the emissions generated by over 1,500 round-trip economy class flights between New York and San Francisco, according to the press release.
This agreement is part of a broader initiative coordinated by the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA), which has collectively aided over 20 clients in procuring SAFc from approximately 50 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel, resulting in 500,000 metric tons of CO2e abatement.
RMI’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations reflects its leadership in driving climate solutions across various industries. Aviation, alongside shipping, trucking, cement, chemicals, and steel, is a priority for RMI, given its significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions and intricate supply chains. The announcement coincides with RMI staff preparing to attend the VERGE24 conference in San Jose, where climate experts will gather to share insights and collaborate, the press release further added.
“Air travel significantly contributes to carbon emissions, and as an organization involved in global collaboration, we acknowledge our duty to minimize our environmental footprint,” said Bryan Fisher, managing director at RMI. “By investing in sustainable aviation fuel certificates—a concept we helped pioneer—we are fostering demand for SAF, promoting the adoption of innovative fuel technologies, and exemplifying the commitment needed from companies to tackle climate change.”
World Energy, a leader in sustainable aviation fuel production and low-carbon solutions, has been instrumental in enabling customers to decarbonize their supply chains using SAFc. The company has collaborated with SABA as a SAFc provider in various collective procurement efforts, paving the way for wider SAF adoption.
“World Energy is proud to implement many of RMI’s concepts and frameworks for the SAF market within the corporate sector,” said Kathleen Wight, World Energy’s vice president of Net Zero Solutions. “RMI’s commitment to utilizing SAFc for its emissions reduction underscores that effective solutions are available today for those pursuing net-zero travel in aviation.”
By purchasing SAF certificates, corporate travelers can support the generation and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel, regardless of whether it is used on their specific flights. This investment allows companies to report greenhouse gas emissions reductions in their climate disclosures while the actual SAF is directed to an aircraft operator, thereby replacing fossil jet fuel. The integrity of the SAF certificates is monitored digitally and verified by third parties through a chain of custody model known as book and claim. These certificates will be issued via the SAFc Registry, a non-profit platform developed by RMI to enhance consistency and transparency in the SAF certificate market.
The SAF underlying these certificates will be produced using advanced hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) technology, utilizing waste fats, oils, and other residues as feedstocks. This high-quality fuel will meet industry standards aligned with SABA’s sustainability criteria to ensure its environmental integrity.
