Satcom Direct (SD), the business aviation solutions provider, is adding a highly automated carbon emissions reporting tool to the SD Pro operating system. The new reporting module leverages real-time data generated by SD’s FlightDeck Freedom (FDF) datalink service, accurately capturing fuel burn. The system then calculates each flight’s carbon emissions based on the amount of fuel burned, fuel type, and blend. It presents operators with validated emissions data for individual aircraft, an entire fleet over a specified period, or for a selected flight.
The emissions data is run through a refined calculation developed to comply with all regulatory standards to determine the amount of carbon emitted. The reports display a variety of metrics, including how much CO2 has been generated, in which airspace it was produced, and how this compares to previous or other similar trips. It streamlines the computations relating to mandatory and voluntary emission reporting and offsetting, making it easier for operators to present precise reports.
SD is founded on a core belief in understanding the value of time and maximizing it. The company mobilizes the most cutting-edge technologies to enable connection wherever one might be. SD’s proprietary technologies span business aviation and government sectors, with the singular goal of leading connectivity industry standards. SD headquarters is located at the heart of the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, with 14 additional locations in 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, and Brazil, plus a hardware development and manufacturing base in Ottawa, Canada.
Harnessing a powerful combination of tools, SD delivers consistent, reliable connectivity globally. Proprietary software, hardware, terrestrial infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions, and award-winning customer support create tailored data services for each customer’s mission. The aim is to enhance the passenger and ownership experience, improve efficiencies and give back precious time by providing connectivity beyond all expectations.
Streamlining carbon emissions calculations
“With the industry pledging to be carbon neutral by 2050, we recognize that aircraft operators need to monitor each flight’s environmental impact. We’ve developed this new tool to help them streamline the calculations, provide seamless access to offset options and give them control over their own reporting and carbon strategy,” said Jim Jensen, SD founder and CEO. “SD customers no longer need to rely solely on third-party providers to analyze the figures and generate the reports. It saves time and ensures that all of an operator’s flight departments, no matter where they are in the world, use the same standard to ensure consistent calculations. The carbon reporting tool is especially beneficial to those responsible for environmental and social governance, ESG initiatives, and ever-evolving Corsia (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) compliance. We know the industry will welcome the simplicity and convenience.”
Information is presented graphically and can be used to generate carbon certificates, transactional records for purchased credits, and authenticated tracking information. Operators benefit from seamless access to qualified carbon credits via approved registries, and carbon credits can be transacted via the carbon offsetting platform Patch, which is integrated with SD Pro. A choice of over 140 accessible offset projects is available, of which SD will highlight preferred options; however, customers can purchase other project credits if desired.
Initial availability is anticipated by August 2023. The first phase will enable operators to view CO2 emissions, purchase offset credits, and access associated certificates and records. SD also showcased the new module and its ease of use at last May’s 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (Ebace) in Geneva, Switzerland.
New solar farm installed
Meanwhile, SD has installed a 1,200-panel solar farm at its Melbourne, Florida world headquarters in its ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The new infrastructure is located adjacent to the SD Data Center and covers 65,000 sq ft, more than the total size of an American football field.
The photovoltaic modules will generate more than 97,750 kWh per month and will take just under 10 years to recoup the investment in energy costs. SD’s daily operations will consume sun-powered energy. State-wide experts in renewable energy, Florida Electric, and Solar, were responsible for the planning and installation, which began generating power last December.
“We create products that help our clients to work smarter, and we apply the same philosophy to our own operations,” explained Jim Jensen, SD chair and CEO, about the rationale for the installation. “Renewable energy benefits everyone, and the solar farm will play a significant part in powering our business more efficiently. We recognize the need to reduce our carbon footprint and be more environmentally friendly. The solar farm is just one of several initiatives we are implementing as we work towards carbon neutrality.” (Story and photos courtesy of Satcom Direct)