World First as AltAir Biojet Fuel Refinery achieves RSB certification
The RSB is delighted to announce the certification of AltAir to produce biojet fuel, renewable diesel and naphtha, a gasoline component. This industry first sees AltAir join the ranks of RSB certified operators who have applied the RSB Global Standard to guide the development of sustainable sources of biofuel. RSB certification is a preference for many airlines globally, most notably of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG) – a group of 27 airlines representing one third of global aviation fuel use and that have made a pledge to reach RSB or equivalent certification.
AltAir Fuels is a vital part of the supply chain in the commercial production of sustainable biojet fuel. The technology it uses refines waste feedstocks to produce jet, diesel and gasoline fuels resulting in products that meet the same industry certification as the petroleum-based products they replace while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by greater than 60%.
Located in Paramount, California, AltAir’s initial facility is the world’s first renewable fuels refinery with integrated jet fuel production capability. Since January 2016, AltAir has been the only refiner to continually produce biojet for commercial use.
Alt Air has been a member of the RSB since 2014 and is part of the RSB network that consists of a worldwide movement of businesses, NGO’s, academics, government and UN organisations that demonstrate their commitment to best practice for sustainable biomaterial, biofuels and biomass production.
The RSB unites these global stakeholders and is the most trusted, peer-reviewed member body active in the bioeconomy that promotes bioproducts that enhance rural development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote food security.
The certification of products such as AltAir’s biojet fuel is in keeping with the sustainable bioeconomy that the RSB champions and will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions in the aviation sector.
In addition to the SAFUG pledge, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently issued a report that encouraged airlines to purchase only biofuels certified by a recognised third-party standard and strongly recommended the RSB framework as the most complete and likely to address these sustainability risks.
Rolf Hogan, the RSB’s Executive Director, commented on the news: “The RSB applauds AltAir in its commitment to sustainability by applying the world’s most trusted, peer reviewed standard and gaining RSB certification. As the leading producer of commercial bio jet fuel, AltAir has demonstrated that the aviation sector can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the highest standards of sustainability and transparency.”
“From inception AltAir has pledged to its customers a pursuit of the highest standards of sustainability”, said AltAir Co-Founder and President Bryan Sherbacow. “By achieving RSB certification, we now have third-party verification of field to wing or tank GHG reduction of at least 60%. These measurable results ensure that AltAir customers and their stakeholders are meeting their respective sustainability targets.”
“As a user of AltAir Fuels, we celebrate the RSB certification of the Paramount facility,” said Angela Foster-Rice, United’s managing director of environmental affairs and sustainability, “United Airlines is committed to the commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuels and we applaud this achievement.”
About Wastes and Residues:
Waste and residue materials are a crucial part of the feedstock mix as their use reduces the pressure on land and natural resources which are pivotal factors in the development of a truly sustainable bioeconomy.
The RSB Global Standard and Standard for Advanced Fuels defines a credible approach for using waste and residual material for fuel production and gives answers to questions as: “How to define a residue?”, “How to ensure traceability?” and “Which sustainability risks have to be considered?”
Watch Elena Schmidt, RSB’s Standards Director discuss the development of Sustainable Biojet Fuel.
For more information you can contact:
RSB: Rolf Hogan, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
AltAir Fuels: Gary Grimes
Tel: 562.748.4621
Email: [email protected]
