What is a SAF Program Assurance (SPA) Audit?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays an important role in the decarbonization of the aviation sector. Many airlines develop SAF programs that allow corporate customers to reduce or compensate their Scope 3 emissions.
To ensure that these programs are reliable, transparency and independent verification are essential.
Normec Verifavia provides Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program Assurance (SPA) audits that assess the integrity of SAF programs. Our verifications confirm that emissions reductions are calculated correctly, that certificates are valid and that the methodologies used comply with international standards.
Normec Verifavia applies a two-phase audit process to ensure the reliability of SAF programs.
The two-phase audit process
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1.
Phase I – Annual Program Audit
During the annual program audit, we assess:
- SAF procurement and supply chain
- Emissions calculation methodologies
- Compliance with selected methodologies (e.g. CORSIA or SBTi)
- SAF eligibility criteria
- Program policies and certificate structures
After successful completion, the organization receives a SAF Program Assurance Statement confirming the credibility of the program.
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2.
Phase II – Individual Certificate Verification
In the second phase, we verify individual SAF certificates.
This includes:
- Verification of SAF invoices and sustainability documentation
- Chain of custody verification
- Confirmation that used feedstocks meet sustainability standards
- Monitoring to prevent double counting
For each certified document, a SAF Program Assurance Certificate is issued.
Why independent verification is important
A properly verified SAF program:
- Increases the credibility of emissions reduction claims
- Reduces risks of incorrect reporting or double claims
- Improves the efficiency of data collection and reporting
- Provides airlines with a competitive advantage
- Strengthens transparency towards corporate customers
Normec Verifavia uses advanced tools and technologies, including blockchain-based systems, to deliver secure and verifiable certificates and audit statements.
How Normec Verifavia supports you
Normec Verifavia has more than ten years of experience in verification, validation and auditing within the aviation sector.
Our services include:
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1.
Experience in the aviation sector
Our experts have extensive experience with emissions verification for international aviation programs.
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Internationally recognized expertise
We have conducted SPA audits for major airlines such as Cargolux, Finnair, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada and 4AIR.
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Compliance with international methodologies
Our audits verify whether SAF programs comply with standards such as CORSIA and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
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Tailored programs
We adapt our audit services to the specific structure and objectives of each SAF program.
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Increased credibility
Independent verification strengthens the confidence of customers, partners and stakeholders.
The verification process
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1.
Pre-engagement
The commercial team discusses the verification needs with the client and prepares a pre-contract.
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2.
Engagement
The objectives and verification boundaries are defined. The cooperation is formally established in a contract.
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3.
Planning
Verification activities are planned based on the scope and complexity of the SAF program.
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4.
Execution by Phases
In Phase I, the program structure and compliance are assessed. In Phase II, individual SAF certificates are verified.
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5.
Review and Decision
An independent technical review takes place in accordance with ISO 17029:2019 and ISO 14065:2020.
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Post-verification activities
If new information becomes available that may affect the verification results, an additional review or correction may take place.
Would you like to know more about SAF programs and verification?
Frequently asked questions
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An SPA audit is an independent verification of an SAF program to confirm that emission reductions have been calculated correctly and that certificates are reliable.
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Verification prevents duplicate claims, increases transparency and strengthens customer and stakeholder confidence.
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SAF programs can be assessed according to international methodologies such as CORSIA and SBTi, as well as other relevant aviation standards.
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Our auditors review SAF procurement, emissions calculations, certificates, chain of custody and compliance with sustainability criteria.
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Upon completion of the audit, the organization will receive a SAF Program Assurance Statement and, if applicable, verified certificates for individual SAF transactions.
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In addition to increasing credibility and reducing risk, an SPA audit offers several benefits to airlines:
- Reduced audit burden - Normec Verifavia can conduct an audit for multiple sustainability programs, saving time and resources.
- Competitive advantage in tenders and partnerships - A verified SAF program demonstrates commitment to sustainability and can be attractive to environmentally conscious customers and partners.
- Increased investor confidence - Transparent and responsible sustainability practices can contribute to stronger relationships with investors and better access to green financing.
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Normec Verifavia uses Keeex blockchain technology to enhance the audit process. This provides:
- Secure storage and transfer of audit data
- Automated issuance and verification of certificates
- Real-time access to data so stakeholders can verify the authenticity and validity of SAF certificates
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If nonconformities are identified during the audit, Normec works with the organization to identify and correct them. Our goal is not to sanction, but to guide organizations toward compliance and program improvement. We provide:
- Corrective action recommendations.
- Customized improvement plans
- Solution implementation support
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The duration depends on the size and complexity of the SAF program. In most cases:
- The initial program audit takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks
- Verification of individual certificates takes place continuously throughout the year.
Normec strives for an efficient process without compromising the quality of the audit.
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Yes. In addition to audits, Normec Verifavia offers additional services to support organizations with their SAF programs, such as:
- Development of sustainability strategies
- Training on SAF program management and industry developments
- Supply chain due diligence
- Communication and stakeholder support