Metrics for an Aviation CO2 Standard (Project 30)

Aircraft regulatory standards, or aircraft certification requirements with associated stringency levels, are among the set of mechanisms that can be used to incentivize CO2 emissions reductions from commercial aviation. Setting such standards requires the definition and identification of a metric (e.g., gCO2/km, gCO2/(kg*km)), correlating parameter, stringency level, and scope of applicability (i.e., type of aircraft, reference missions, fuel mix). Project 30 seeks to develop robust metrics that objectively and accurately reflect CO2 emissions at the aircraft and fleet levels.
Objectives

Identify robust metrics, correlating parameters, and evaluation options that objectively and accurately reflect CO2 emissions at the aircraft and fleet levels.
Inform the national and international policy processes with regard to the development of an aircraft certification requirement by (1) identifying a set of metrics and correlation parameters that could be used as a basis for the aircraft certification requirement, (2) evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each metric and correlation parameter, (3) examining the ways in which each metric would be measured in a certification standard, and (4) providing a comprehensive assessment to policy makers.

Key results to date:
(*) A small set of leading aircraft CO2 emissions metrics, together with correlating parameters and evaluation options, has been identified.

(*) Study results have been provided to the FAA to inform CAEP in its decision making process on developing an international CO2 standard.