In our latest episode we chat with Kathy Wight, Vice President for Net Zero Solutions at World Energy, and how they are leading the charge in decarbonizing business travel and freight.

Kathy takes us from her roots in the NGO sphere to her pivotal role in driving practical sustainability solutions, sharing insights from her experience with the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the innovative strides in sustainable fuels like SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and renewable diesel. We find out why she transitioned to the business side to actively work on developing practical solutions to decarbonise aviation.

We venture into the complex landscape of Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates, dissecting the intricacies of environmental attribute certificates, and the book and claim system. Kathy helps clarify these often-confusing terms, shedding light on how these mechanisms play a vital role in reducing emissions across industry value chains. We discuss the importance of transparency and the potential for a universal taxonomy to simplify the process for newcomers, ensuring accurate carbon intensity scores and fostering broader engagement in the SAF arena.

Additionally, Kathy explains how long-term contracts with corporations act as “market makers” for SAF, signalling durable demand and unlocking capital to scale up production facilities.

For industry newcomers and veterans alike, Kathy’s insights offer a deep understanding of how SAF certificates and partnerships are accelerating sustainable change in aviation.  She emphasizes the importance of taking action now, rather than waiting for the perfect system to emerge. 

Check out our last episode with C.R Sincock, Avfuel, where we look at the development of the SAF supply chain: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/episodes/16057604