Not all double counting is erroneous given one organization’s direct emissions are often indirect emissions for another organization, and proper booking and claiming of the emission profiles and solutions ensures proper accounting in these instances. 

Where in the book and claim process is erroneous double counting most at risk to occur? Primarily during one of the following four situations: 

• When the attribute is “booked:” This occurs when two or more attributes are issued for the same low-carbon commodity (i.e., two attributes are created for one unit of fuel when only one attribute should have been created) 

• When the attribute is “claimed:” This occurs when more than one commodity user takes credit for the same singular attribute (i.e., more than one ship owner claims the same environmental attribute despite operating two different ships on two different voyages) 

• When the attribute is assessed for additionality: This occurs when an attribute is created but regulatory compliance is not properly taken into account (i.e., the attribute from a gallon of biodiesel is claimed by a trucking company, but the attribute was already incentivized by a regulatory program such as a road low carbon fuel standard) 

• When the attribute is integrated into a B&C system: This occurs when a booked attribute is distributed across two or more B&C systems allowing for double use of the same booking (i.e., a singular SAF credit is available in multiple registries) 

Related terms include: ‘double issuance’ or ‘double-booking’ (1), ‘double claim’ (2/3), ‘double purpose’ (3), and ‘double use’ (4)