Speaking of the EU… the European Commission recently launched a consultation on a voluntary EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL). This label would provide airline customers with comparable standardized information regarding the GHG emissions of flights between airlines. The program is being pitched as entirely voluntary for the time being and is part of the EU’s broader plan to decarbonize aviation through the “RefuelEU” regulations. ESG Today writes about the consultation stating:
“… much of the information currently available is not standardized, as airlines that do provide emissions data often use different methodologies and technologies for measuring carbon. Indeed, several airlines have been accused or charged with greenwashing over unclear or misleading claims on emissions and environmental impact in recent months. The FEL provides for a single standard, and regulated methodology when estimating flight emissions. The FEL will include factors such as aircraft type, average passenger numbers and freight volume on board, as well as aviation fuel used.”
Aviation is notorious for being a hard-to-abate industry, like agriculture and fossil fuels. The technology needed to fly planes with zero emissions is not yet commercially viable and likely will not be in the foreseeable future. Despite this, multiple airlines try to market themselves as sustainable, leading to a variety of global lawsuits alleging greenwashing. While the new EU rules might bring some transparency, it’s unclear that they will significantly contribute to a reduction in emissions. Letting passengers choose lower-emitting flights is great, but the limitations of technology mean that those decisions are often between “bad” and “worse.” At the same time, trends indicated by data gathered from FEL implementation could provide valuable insight into customer preferences related to sustainability attributes.
Our members can learn more about the transportation industry here.
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