The University of Wisconsin System strives to follow sustainable principles, practices and values.
Here are some tips to help you travel sustainably:
- Consider if the trip is essential, or if the trip can be done virtually. Limiting unneccesary trips is the best way to eliminate the carbon footprint that you leave.
- While typically airfare is the most logical method of transportation for a route over 400 miles – if your schedule allows, consider using rail. Rail generally is the most cost-effective as well as a more carbon-friendly option.
- If driving, choose an electronic vehicle, hybrid, or small model car that can significantly cut down carbon emissions. Our contracted partner, Enterprise, offers these vehicles for rental.
- When possible, walk or bike instead of using a cab. Utilize rideshare with other passengers.
- Use Public Transportation such as a bus or train.
- Pitch the plastics! Instead of spending money on bottles of water and straws, bring reusable ones. Nearly every airport and hotel have free water stations for you to fill up quickly.
- Eat plant-based foods and avoid dairy products when possible. According to the EPA, agriculture accounts for 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, skipping meat has a massive positive impact on sustainability.
- Buy local and fair-trade items when possible and bring a reusable bag for your shopping trips.
- Learn more about the UW’s Sustainability Goals
Industry Guides
Airline Sustainability Goals
Delta Airlines
Key Steps towards Sustainability:
- Over 200 aircraft retired early
- 6% better fuel efficiency year-over-year from new, more efficient fleet
- Verified carbon offsets to mitigate 13 million metric tons of Delta’s 2020 emissions
- Investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) which can reduce emissions by up to 80%
Carbon Neutral from March 2020 Onward
Delta’s commitment to sustainability is about joining arms to create a better world. The airline’s ambitious commitment to carbon neutrality from March 2020 onward is coming to fruition with swift impact through immediate actions, coupled with long-term investments to combat climate change. These investments will drive innovation, advance clean air travel technologies, accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions and waste, and establish a path to a more sustainable future.
As a company driven by purpose, we hold ourselves to a high standard of producing sustainable, responsible financial results while investing in healthy communities, maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, and protecting natural environments. These values drive our overall approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability and responsibility. Learn more about how we measured against this purpose while facing a global pandemic and the most dire financial situation in the history of our airline.
View our 2019 Corporate Responsibility Report (PDF)
An Ambitious Path Forward
BUILDING A MORE EFFICIENT FLEET
REDUCING EMISSIONS THROUGH CARBON OFFSETS
Partner with us to offset the environmental impact of your flight by protecting forests and supporting communities.
Improving Our Environment by Reducing Our Impact
REDUCING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
MAKING THE MOST OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
United
Our environmental commitment
At United, our mission is connecting people and uniting the world. Every day, we celebrate the people and communities across our planet — which is why we understand the need for bold action now to combat climate change. United is committed to reducing our emissions, so that we can continue to appreciate the wonders of this world, today and into the future.
From our CEO
“We’re embracing a new goal to be 100% green by 2050 by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions 100%. And we’ll get there not with flashy, empty gestures, but by taking the harder, better path of actually reducing the emissions from flying. We (also) realize there’s a limit to what a single company can do alone. That’s why we are continuing to seek opportunities to collaborate with other industries. We must reach across industries to develop coordinated efforts to accomplish what must be our collective goal of carbon neutrality.”
— Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer
Latest news: United Airlines to Lead Industry Switch to Sustainable Aviation Fuel with Global Corporations, Customers. Learn more
Going 100% green by 2050
We’re planning to become 100% green by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 without relying on traditional offsets. Making significant investments in sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture and sequestration will help us get there.
Sustainable fuel sources
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is an alternative to fossil fuels, emitting up to 80% less carbon on a lifecycle basis. As the cleanest fuel substitute for traditional jet fuel, SAF is the fastest and most effective way to reduce GHG emissions across our fleet.
Carbon capture and sequestration
Climate change calls for big solutions, so we’re making a multimillion-dollar investment in carbon capture and sequestration technology to reduce our net GHG emissions.
Innovation for the future
Our investment in Archer Aviation and its battery-powered aircraft is part of our commitment to identify and invest in innovative technology that can help reduce GHG emissions.
Aircraft modernization and operational efficiency
We’re increasing fuel efficiency and reducing GHG emissions through technology and process innovation in the air and on the ground.
Eco-Skies Alliance
The Eco-Skies Alliance is a first-of-its-kind program involving leading global corporations working with United to help power flying in a more sustainable way. Through this innovative program, our corporate customers have the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact and help make sustainable aviation the norm.
Southwest
Southwest proudly joins our A4A partners across the industry in concerted work with government leaders to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, there is much work to be done and we are committed to doing our part. Read More
We have improved jet fuel efficiency by nearly 50 percent on a revenue ton mile (RTM)85 basis since 2000.
In 2019, we recycled 2,426 tons of material, an effort that directly reduces our impact on landfills.
It’s no secret Southwest has a Heart for the Planet and works hard on our conservation efforts—helping to protect the environment for future generations to come. Our Purpose and Vision drive us to do right by the environment and respect our natural resources. As part of those efforts, there is a continued focus on developing and maintaining a sustainable supply chain. We are proud of our accomplishments to date and strive for even more. We know doing the right thing is about being good environmental stewards, and what is good for our business is also good for our Planet.
American Airlines
Sustainability
Building a more sustainable airline
Net zero carbon emissions by 2050
At American Airlines, sustainability means delivering the benefits of air travel while protecting the planet. Climate change is a pressing global challenge, and we’re committed to doing our part to address it. We’ve worked to increase our fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plan a low-carbon future.
We’re the first U.S. airline with a clear path to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach this goal, we’ve invested in newer, fuel-efficient aircraft and sustainable fuel.
2019 - 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance Report (PDF) Opens a PDF in a new window
Creating a new, efficient fleet
Since 2013 we’ve added 595 new aircraft and retired 667. Each new generation of aircraft targets 10 - 15% improvements in fuel efficiency. Our new fleet includes the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the A321neo, which use the latest engine and airframe technologies.
With these efforts, we’ve created the youngest fleet among U.S. network carriers.
Investing in low-carbon fuel
In 2020 we committed to buy 9 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over 3 years from Neste. A leading provider of renewable products, Neste fuel meets the performance and safety standards of traditional jet fuel but has 75% lower greenhouse gas emissions.
As of 2021, our agreement is the industry’s single-largest SAF purchasing commitment by volume to date.
Offering carbon offsets
The core focus of our sustainability strategy is increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. However, carbon offsets play a role as well.
In 2020 we introduced a program for customers to calculate their emissions and buy carbon offsets through Cool Effect. These offsets fund high-quality carbon-offset projects worldwide.
Joining the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative
As a member of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, we commit to addressing human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption issues. We’re also taking action to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals that align with our business and areas of impact.
UN Global Compact Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines
Following ESG best practices
We align our annual Environmental, Social and Governance Report with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) – leading disclosure frameworks.
In 2020, American Airlines received an A– score from the global disclosure nonprofit CDP for our leadership in addressing climate risks.
Achieving LEED Gold Certification
We have a number of U.S. facilities that are LEED certified through the U.S. Green Building Council, including 2 new LEED Gold-certified buildings on our corporate campus. These new buildings divert 97% of construction waste from going to landfills, were built with green materials and provide preferred parking for zero- and low-emitting vehicles.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most common green building rating system in the world. It evaluates projects for their energy efficiency, water conservation and use of sustainable materials.
Partnering with the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation protects some of the most treasured U.S. travel destinations. As the organization’s only airline partner, we support the National Park Foundation’s efforts to inspire a sense of wonder and a love of exploration.
The National Park Foundation will also be the first organization supported by Miles for Our Planet. AAdvantage® members can donate miles to organizations that protect and preserve our planet’s natural resources and contribute to climate change efforts.
Recycling and reducing waste
We recycle an average of 340,000 pounds of aluminum cans each year through our flight services. By changing our processes and materials, we’ve also eliminated thousands of pounds of plastic. We look forward to more efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle across our operations in the coming months.