It can sometimes feel like each week brings a new tool or initiative to support the SAF certificate market. While the pace of new developments reflects this market’s dynamism and growth, it can also be challenging to keep track of the many initiatives and how they differ from one another. This is true even within SABA’s own workstreams. In this post, we want to take a quick opportunity to differentiate between the SAFc Registry and SAFc Connect.

In brief, the SAFc Registry is an established database where sustainable aviation fuel certificates are issued, transferred and retired. SAFc Connect is a new platform that went live earlier this year that enables SAFc buyers to review offers for commercially-available SAFc and then reach out to suppliers to initiate a purchase. The two platforms work very well in combination, but each can stand individually as well. Dig into the FAQs below for more detail!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between SAFc Connect and the SAFc Registry?

SAFc Connect is a market accelerator that connects SAFc suppliers and SAFc buyers. SAFc suppliers list their offers on SAFc Connect, and buyers can then reach out to the suppliers of offers of most interest to them.

The SAFc Registry is a standardized, secure electronic database that enables issuance, transfer and retirement of sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc). It enables consistency, transparency and auditability of aviation-related emissions reduction claims.

2. Who can use each platform?

Submission of offers to SAFc Connect is open to all SAFc suppliers who sign the participation agreement. Offers on SAFc Connect can be viewed by all SABA buyer members who sign the participation agreement.

The SAFc Registry is open to any legally recognized company or organization.

3. How do SAFc Connect and the SAFc Registry work together?

SAFc Connect can be used first to connect SAFc buyers with SAFc suppliers. Once an offer is selected and the buyer and supplier sign a contract, the certificates associated with that contract can be created, tracked, and retired on the SAFc Registry.

4. Can an offer be on SAFc Connect without using the SAFc Registry?

Yes. In order for an offer to be on SAFc Connect, the offer must commit to track the associated certificates on a SABA Eligible registry, which includes the SAFc Registry along with other registries that meet the registry selection criteria. The criteria and current list of SABA eligible registries can be found on the SABA website.

5. Can a certificate be tracked on the SAFc Registry without association with SAFc Connect?

Yes. The SAFc Registry can track any certificates that meet the criteria set out in the SAFc registry rulebook, and they do not need to be associated with SAFc Connect or any other SABA procurement.

6. Who manages each platform?

Both SAFc Connect and the SAFc Registry are closely affiliated with the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance. SABA itself is a joint initiative of three non-governmental organizations; RMI, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Center for Green Market Activation. SABA’s unique organizational structure has implications for which entity owns or operates various tools and resources. More specifically:
SAFc Connect was founded by SABA and is operated GMA.

The SAFc Registry was founded by RMI, EDF and SABA. It is owned by RMI, and operated by Energy Web. The registry is governed by a board of stakeholders in the sustainable aviation sector.

7. How can I learn more about each platform?
To learn more about SAFc Connect, check out the SAFc Connect Database Manual or email safcconnect@gmacenter.org.
To learn more about the SAFc Registry, check out the SAFc Registry website.