Book and claim
What is book and claim?
Book and claim is a carbon insetting accounting approach that treats the environmental benefits of a sustainable fuel as separate from the fuel itself, so that each can be handled as a distinct entity. This allows environmental benefits to be allocated independently of where the fuel is physically consumed.
For example, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) may be used in one location, while another company purchases and claims the emissions reductions that are associated with the use of that SAF.
How does book and claim work?
When SAF or another sustainable fuel is produced, the associated emissions reductions are verified and recorded. These environmental attributes can then be purchased separately from the fuel.
The buyer receives the right to claim the verified emissions savings, while the fuel may be used elsewhere. Certification systems help ensure that each environmental benefit is claimed only once.
Why is book and claim important?
Sustainable fuels are not always available where companies operate. This could be due to production, infrastructure, and distribution limitations.
Book and claim enables organizations to support the adoption of low-carbon fuels and participate in emissions-reduction efforts even when they have no direct access to sustainable fuel.
Why do companies use book and claim?
Organizations use book and claim to support sustainability goals while they implement longer-term operational changes. This allows them to contribute to the growth of sustainable fuel markets, demonstrate support for emissions-reduction initiatives, and make progress towards corporate climate targets, in line with applicable accounting frameworks.
What are the benefits and limitations of book and claim?
The main benefit of book and claim is flexibility. Organizations can support low-carbon fuels regardless of location or infrastructure constraints. This also helps to stimulate demand for sustainable fuels and encourages investment in production capacity.
However, book and claim does not directly reduce emissions within the buyer’s own operations because the physical fuel is consumed elsewhere. Because of this, book and claim is generally viewed as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, direct emissions-reduction initiatives.
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