DHL Backs SBTi's Book-and-Claim Model for Air Cargo Emissions

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially adopted the 'book and claim' methodology for emissions reduction, a development that DHL has publicly welcomed. This framework allows companies to purchase and claim sustainability attributes (such as renewable energy or sustainable fuels) from verified supply sources without requiring physical matching or delivery of the product. For air cargo operators like DHL, this represents a significant shift in how carbon credits can be monetized and accounted for under corporate net-zero commitments.

The book-and-claim approach addresses a longstanding challenge in aviation decarbonization: the high cost and limited availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) relative to demand. By decoupling the environmental claim from the physical supply, more companies can participate in the carbon reduction market, creating greater liquidity and lower transaction costs. This is particularly meaningful for logistics providers serving diverse customer bases, as it enables more flexible compliance with emissions reduction targets and customer sustainability demands.

For supply chain professionals, this endorsement signals that SBTi—the leading authority on corporate climate commitments—now views book-and-claim as a legitimate pathway for Scope 3 emissions accounting. This has immediate implications for carbon accounting practices, procurement strategies, and customer commitments. Companies may now reassess their SAF sourcing strategies, potentially shifting from higher-cost physical purchase models to more liquid credit-based arrangements, while maintaining credible emissions reduction claims.