AVEVA: Committing to SAF for a Cleaner Future

Industrial software provider AVEVA has completed its first major purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates. This strategic procurement move helps bring the company in line with fulfilling its World Economic Forum (WEF) First Movers Coalition (FMC) commitment.

Notably, this milestone has been reached five years ahead of its schedule. AVEVA joins other leading companies who are investing in sustainable fuels to support the transition to a cleaner future.

As a member of the WEF FMC Aviation group, AVEVA set a target to replace at least 5% of conventional jet fuel demand with SAF. To execute this strategy, it purchased SAF certificates from British Airways for use at London Heathrow Airport.

British Airways had entered into a multi-year agreement with renewable fuel provider EcoCeres. According to the airline, this agreement acts as a mechanism supporting the airline’s goal to power 10% of its flights with SAF by 2030.

EcoCeres specialises in producing industrial-scale SAF, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and renewable naphtha. In a display of circular supply chain dynamics, AVEVA’s software is also used by EcoCeres. The technology is being used to optimise the production of SAF.

Leveraging purchasing power

Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, says: “The role of tech and industry in driving decarbonisation has never been clearer.”

“By investing in sustainable fuels today, we are demonstrating how climate ambition must be matched by concrete action.”

He further elaborates on the impact of such procurement decisions on the wider industry. Caspar says: “Through concerted action like this, industries can scale new technologies, minimise lifecycle emissions and set a higher standard for responsible growth.”

The First Movers Coalition is an initiative launched by the WEF and the US government at COP26. Its primary objective is to help decarbonise heavy industry and transport.

These sectors are responsible for 30% of global emissions. Consequently, the initiative aims to leverage the collective purchasing power of its members.

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable procurement leaders should attend:

• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
  
  
• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE, these events brings together CPOs, CSCO, CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

Accelerating market demand

The FMC’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of emerging climate technologies. This is intended to build early market demand and encourage their widespread commercial adoption.

At its inception in 2021, the FMC had 35 members. This number has since grown to more than 100 members who have collectively made more than 125 commitments.

The members of the coalition aim to work together and use their power to decarbonise industry sectors. These sectors include aviation, cement and concrete, shipping, steel, trucking and aluminium.

Noam Boussidan, Programme Head for the First Movers Coalition at WEF, says: “It is great to see First Movers Coalition members in action today.”

Noam highlights the progress made by the software company through its buying decisions. Noam says: “By purchasing SAF as part of its sustainability roadmap, AVEVA continues to show leadership and make meaningful progress toward the fulfillment of its FMC aviation target.

“Partnerships like these demonstrate how First Movers Coalition members are supporting the development and use of cleaner aviation technology while driving corporate climate action.”

Reducing operational emissions

AVEVA is focused on advancing its sustainability commitment through action. This includes reducing its Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by more than 93%. Furthermore, the company is on track to achieve its target of cutting Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.

More than 20,000 enterprises across 100 countries rely on AVEVA’s software to help deliver reliable energy, food, infrastructure and medicines. Its software allows companies to access trusted information and AI insights.

This integration could mean teams can engineer efficiently and optimise operations while meeting their sustainability goals. By providing these tools, the company supports the wider industrial ecosystem in its transition toward net-zero.

Through the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) COP30 procurement initiative, AVEVA reduced the climate impact associated with its COP30 flights. This commitment demonstrates the company’s leadership in advancing market-based solutions for global decarbonisation.

Such initiatives highlight the importance of addressing Scope 3 emissions, which often represent the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint. By engaging in collective procurement strategies, organisations can drive systemic change and accelerate the availability of sustainable solutions.