Jet zero: Net zero aviation

Helping to reduce emissions in aviation

The journey to 'jet zero' is challenging. However, forward-looking organisations in the aerospace sector see an opportunity to rebuild our economy in a stronger, fairer and greener way, with aviation as part of the solution to climate change rather than a major contributor of carbon emissions. 

Jet zero priority areas

Ricardo is committed to help aviation stakeholders (including airlines, airports, ground operators and policy makers) across the world in achieving their trajectory towards net zero

The 'Jet zero' strategy sets out how the UK Government plans to meet its commitment that aviation emissions from the UK will, like those from every other sector, be brought down to net zero by 2050, with sub-targets to make domestic flights and airports net zero by 2040.

The key themes in this strategy are:

  • System efficiencies
  • Sustainable aviation fuels
  • Zero emission flight
  • Markets and removals
  • Influencing consumers
  • Addressing non-CO2

We support airports in their net zero strategies. We’ve worked with a number of UK airports (Gatwick, Glasgow, HIAL, AGS, Farnborough) and have performed various other projects on airport decarbonisation, including a study on GHG emissions associated with aircraft refuelling, providing a complete life cycle assessment (LCA) of lower emission solutions.

We've supported the development of the UK SAF industry by running a UK government programme that disbursed £180m of new funding, the European Commission in exploring the options for a blending mandate for SAF usage across the EU and supported other SAF related projects across the globe. Ricardo is also a partner in the consortium delivering the UK's SAF Clearing House, which was established to support industry to deploy SAF by facilitating the development, evaluation, and qualification of jet fuel from sustainable sources.

We brought our expertise in fuel cell system development to project Fresson, demonstrating that sustainable propulsion technology has a clear route to market.

Ricardo has also worked on hybrid-electric technology in Canada - read more here

 

Ricardo has worked on various projects throughout the UK and the EU, including technical assessment of options for the future of the EU ETS aviation, and CO₂, availability from point-sources and direct air capture in the EU and the UK.

Check out these insights:

Ricardo to use innovative carbon capture for greenhouse gas removal

European CO2 Availability from Point-sources and Direct Air Capture - Transport & Environment

Ricardo has been involved in developing evidence-based recommendations for options to improve consumer awareness of emissions across different transport modes. 

Ricardo has been advising clients in the UK on what they need to think about for non-CO₂ impacts of aviation.

Shutterstock 2074955374

Related services

Ricardo can help you to understand the real environmental impacts of your airport and provide practical guidance on how to achieve sustainable and profitable growth. 

Sustainable airports →

Ricardo has been providing world-leading expertise and knowledge on all aspects of heat decarbonisation, from policy development through to feasibility and implementation of low/no-carbon heating technologies.

Heat decarbonisation →

Ricardo’s sustainable transport team can help you assess, design and implement the most effective strategies, policies and solutions to make your transport systems more efficient, sustainable and resilient. 

Sustainable transport →

We can support your organisation with scientifically robust and high quality approaches to energy and carbon management, to delivering value across a wide range of areas. These include implementing best practices, undertaking policy evaluation and delivering stakeholder engagement.

Energy and carbon management →

Ricardo is working around the world to deliver improvements in air quality, providing a comprehensive understanding of your emissions, identifying and quantifying the key sources, and offering expert interpretation and advice.

Air quality →

We can help monitor  your greenhouse gas emissions and provide strategic advice on how to decarbonise.

Energy and carbon management → 

Your Scope 3 (or value chain) emissions can account for up to 90% of your organisation’s greenhouse gas impact. We can help you to tackle this traditionally difficult area through baselining, strategy development, target setting, supplier engagement, implementation and reporting.

Scope 3 emissions management →

Whether you are just starting to plan your journey to net zero, or already have a roadmap in place and want expertise to deliver your ambitions, Ricardo is here to help. We can support you with reducing Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions.

Net zero pathways →

Speak to our consultants about your jet zero journey