AVEVA's Sustainable Ambitions Take Flight With SAF Purchases

Industrial software pioneer AVEVA has completed its first purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates, marking a major step in its clean energy strategy as part of the World Economic Forum’s First Movers Coalition (FMC).

The move reflects AVEVA’s commitment to accelerating industrial decarbonisation and supporting the global shift toward low-carbon energy.

The purchases have helped AVEVA to align with the FMC five years ahead of schedule, setting a strong precedent for how digital technologies can expedite energy transformation across sectors.

Driving demand for low-carbon fuels

As a WEF FMC Aviation group member, AVEVA pledged to replace at least 5% of conventional jet fuel with SAF.

Its purchase of certificates from British Airways for use at London Heathrow Airport directly contributes to the airline’s broader effort to decarbonise through a long-term partnership with renewable fuel provider EcoCeres.

EcoCeres specialises in large-scale production of SAF, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and renewable naphtha – key energy carriers in the transition away from fossil-based fuels.

The link between AVEVA and EcoCeres runs deeper, as the renewable producer relies on AVEVA’s software to optimise energy conversion and operational efficiency, demonstrating how digital innovation underpins clean fuel scaling.

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.

“Through concerted action like this, industries can scale new technologies, minimise lifecycle emissions and set a higher standard for responsible growth.”

Building momentum through collaboration

The First Movers Coalition was launched by the WEF and the US government at COP26 to create market demand for emerging climate technologies.

Covering energy-intensive sectors responsible for 30% of global emissions, the coalition aims to leverage shared purchasing commitments to accelerate adoption of clean innovations.

Membership has grown from 35 to more than 100 companies, collectively making over 125 commitments aimed at decarbonising aviation, shipping, steel, cement and other heavy industries.

For the energy sector, the FMC represents a testing ground for how cross-industry demand signals can spark investment in next-generation fuels and materials.

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

“By purchasing SAF as part of its sustainability roadmap, AVEVA continues to show leadership and make meaningful progress toward the fulfilment 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.”

Powering sustainability through digital innovation

AVEVA’s sustainability commitments extend beyond aviation. The company has already cut its Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by more than 93% against a 2019 baseline, and is progressing toward a 50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030.

Its digital tools are central to enabling over 20,000 global enterprises to enhance energy efficiency, optimise resource use and decarbonise operations.

Through initiatives such as the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) COP30 procurement programme, AVEVA has reduced the climate impact of its business travel while supporting scalable, market-based solutions to global decarbonisation.

By aligning software innovation with clean energy adoption, AVEVA continues to demonstrate how industry can accelerate progress toward net zero.