ICAO: Annex 16 Environmental Protection
I. Definition
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) is a United Nations body that sets global aviation rules.
Annex 16 is a specific part of ICAO standards focused on environmental protection.
ICAO Annex 16 covers aircraft noise and aircraft emissions.
II. Context
The aviation sector has environmental impacts, especially noise and greenhouse gas emissions.
To manage these impacts, ICAO developed Annex 16 Environmental Protection.
ICAO Annex 16 sets:
- limits on aircraft noise,
- standards for aircraft engine emissions,
- global environmental rules applied by countries.
These standards are used by governments, airlines, and manufacturers.
They support international alignment and environmental transparency.
ICAO Annex 16 also connects with:
- climate initiatives such as SAF,
- European regulations like ReFuelEU,
- sustainability reporting under CSRD,
- climate disclosures aligned with ISSB.
This makes ICAO Annex 16 a key reference for aviation environmental compliance.
III. Related terms
- IATA vs ICAO: Key Differences
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/iata-vs-icao-key-differences - SAF: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Regulations
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/saf-sustainable-aviation-fuel-regulations - ReFuelEU: Aviation Decarbonization Mandate
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/refueleu-aviation-decarbonization-mandate - CSRD: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/csrd-corporate-sustainability-reporting-directive - ISSB: IFRS S1 and S2 Global Standards
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/issb-ifrs-s1-s2-global-standards
IV. Example
An aircraft manufacturer designs a new aircraft model.
To be certified, the aircraft must comply with ICAO Annex 16 noise and emission limits.
Airlines using this aircraft then:
- support climate goals through SAF usage,
- comply with ReFuelEU requirements,
- report environmental data under CSRD,
- align climate disclosures with ISSB.
This shows how ICAO Annex 16 influences aviation sustainability and reporting.
