Environment

MOBILITY & TRANSPORT

Aviation has two main effects on the environment: noise pollution and gaseous emissions from aircraft. Noise largely affects areas at and around airports, gaseous emissions have both local effects on air quality and global effects on climate.

The EU Strategy on Environment

The EU Aviation Strategy on Environment aims to develop aviation in a sustainable way, reducing the environmental footprint and also contributing to the fight against climate change:

• by tracking the environmental performance of the EU's air transport sector (Publication of European Aviation Environmental Report) 
• by working with the ICAO to develop a Global Market Based Mechanism (GMBM) to address CO2 emissions.
• by supporting Research & Development actions for innovative "green" technologies.
• by completing the Single European Sky. Performance of ATM can be improved in terms of environmental objectives (including noise reduction and emissions) and regulatory work to tackle this is ongoing.
• via its mandates for bilateral and comprehensive aviation agreements with key foreign partners of the EU, which should help promote green policies with respect to aviation worldwide.

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The ​EU actions to reduce emissions

The EU acts on three fronts:

1. Research and development for a green technology
By 2020, the goal is to reduce fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions by 50% per passenger-kilometer, NOx emissions by 80% on landing and take-off and to reduce unburnt hydrocarbons and emissions by 50%.  And obviously the reduction of sound pollution. 
Through EU R&D Programs, the goal is to make aircraft cleaner and quieter to minimize the impact of transport systems on the climate and the environment, by developing intelligent equipment, infrastructure and services.

2. Modernisation of air traffic management systems
Single European Sky (SES) legislation is also important, because it reforms the way air traffic management is organized in Europe. Air traffic management (ATM) systems in Europe need to be improved and the SESAR initiative is the technological component of SES for reducing emissions by 10% per flight.

3. Market measures
Aviation is also included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), regulated by Directive 2008/101 / EC, in line with Resolution A35-5 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on integrating international aviation into existing trading systems.
For the period 2013-2016, the legislation required only emissions from flights within the European Economic Area (EEA) to fall under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), to give time for ICAO. to develop a global regulation that should have come into effect from 2020.

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Air quality

There is no specific EU legislation in relation to aviation emissions.

Air quality concerns primarily revolve around the health and environmental impacts of air pollution, particularly emissions like nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds, and particulates. To address these concerns, ICAO has set technical design standards that limit emissions of NOx, carbon monoxide (CO), and unburnt hydrocarbons (HFC) from aircraft.

While the EU doesn't have specific legislation targeting aviation emissions, general EU legislation, such as Directive 2008/50/EC, which focuses on ambient air quality and aims for cleaner air in Europe, does apply. This directive sets limit values for pollutants, including NOx and particulates, and is enforced in and around airports across the EU.
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Additionally, in February 2016, ICAO, with the support of the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), developed a CO2 standard for aircraft. This standard is crucial to ICAO's comprehensive strategy for mitigating the impact of international aviation on climate change. Adherence to this standard will become mandatory for obtaining an EASA Type Certificate, essential for aircraft operation. This CO2 standard is scheduled to take effect from 2020.

Aircraft noise

Despite a significant reduction in noise from individual aircraft over the last 30 years, the increase in air traffic has led to continued exposure to high noise levels for many EU citizens. To maintain aviation's sustainability, noise impact measures are deemed essential, particularly at key airports. However, such measures can limit airport capacity and have ripple effects on the entire aviation system. Consequently, a balance must be struck between noise protection and overall capacity.

This necessity led to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 598/2014, outlining procedures for introducing noise-related operating restrictions at airports. The regulation aligns with international noise management principles, known as the "Balanced Approach," advocated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This approach includes:
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1. Setting noise standards to make aircraft quieter.
2. Sustainable land management around airports.
3. Adjusting operational procedures to minimize noise impact.
4. Implementing operating restrictions.

EU regulations ensure a transparent, evidence-based process for instituting operating restrictions, aiming for the most effective solutions to noise issues, considering safety, capacity, and cost factors. This is further supported by Directive 2002/49/EC, which relates to environmental noise assessment and management.

Fuel

The aviation sector, while experiencing substantial growth in passenger flight activity, faces the challenge of reducing its reliance on fossil fuels to align with environmental goals. According to the EIA Report, despite a 2.5-fold increase in flight activity from 2000-2019, CO2 emissions only rose by 50%, indicating an improvement in energy intensity.

​However, to meet the European Green Deal's climate targets and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the aviation industry must transition to sustainable fuels and technologies.

Key Points

1. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF):
   • Recognized as a crucial component in reducing emissions, SAFs are expected to play a major role in achieving the EU's climate objectives.
   • The  Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, adopted in December 2020, aims to increase the adoption of SAFs by the aviation industry.
2. RefuelEU Aviation Initiative (July 2021):
   • Part of the Fit For 55-package, this initiative mandates the supply and use of SAFs at major EU airports.
   • It proposes harmonized EU-wide rules for SAF, ensuring a level playing field, and includes obligations for airlines and fuel suppliers to progressively increase the use of SAF from 2025 to 2050.
3. Focus on Advanced Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels:
   • The initiative emphasizes the use of advanced biofuels and synthetic fuels, aligning with the Renewable Energy Directive's sustainability criteria.
   • These fuels are viewed as promising in terms of emissions reduction and supporting innovation and growth.
4. Complementary Measures:
   • Supported by the EU Emission Trading System (ETS), CORSIA, and other initiatives like Single European Sky and SESAR Joint Undertaking.
   • Investment needs will be backed by EU and government funding, while the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities will guide investments in sustainable aviation sectors.

By harmonizing rules, promoting advanced fuels, and integrating supportive measures and funding, the EU is actively steering the aviation sector towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.