Air Travel
University funded air travel accounts for about 15% of Cornell’s annual carbon footprint each year, 25,000 metric tons of CO2e of our greenhouse gas. This is equivalent to the annual energy use of 3,800 American homes.
A small working group analyzed over 25,000 travel expenses over 5 years, booked through Concur, Cornell’s online platform for booking air travel. Key findings are described in the graph and summary below:
- The majority of emissions was by short-duration trips. Highlighted in red on the graph, the majority of trips were between 2 and 4 days.
- Across departments and units, the most frequently cited reason for travel was conference attendance.
- Between 2018 and 2021, over 2,000 flights departed Ithaca and went to locations that could be easily accessed by bus or train.
- The switch to remote participation in 2020, due to COVID, dropped air travel carbon emissions by over 13,000 metric tons, the first time there had been a reduction in this sector since Cornell implemented the Climate Action Plan in 2012.
Going forward
We are just beginning to embrace how we can address the carbon emissions associated with airline travel. We understand that ceasing travel is not a viable option. However careful consideration of transportation alternatives and making a carbon offset donation can bring us closer to our goal. To reduce Cornell’s carbon emissions, while maintaining equity, retaining talent, advancing our academic & research mission, and preserving Cornell’s global reputation, consider two major pathways to reducing emissions:
- Recognize the value of virtual presentations in tenure and promotion reviews
- Increase virtual conference support
- Update travel guidance to explicitly state the value and benefits of virtual participation
- Travel consolidation: Could fewer extended business/academic trips accomplish the same as more frequent shorter visits
- Alternative modes of transit for regional travel: EV or hybrid fleet vehicles, bus, or train
- Compare Tavel emissions using Concur or other carbon emission calculators
- To offset your carbon emissions, visit FingerLakesClimateFund.org. Use the Carbon Offset Calculator on the site to easily convert your travel mileage into a corresponding donation amount. Once you've calculated your offset, you can conveniently make your donation online and elect to join your funds with donations from other Cornell alum by joining the Cornell Alumnus Team. The Carbon Race Team’s progress is posted on the FLCF website.