New Metrics

United Airlines Launches Tool to Help Customers Offset Carbon Footprint

United Airlines has announced the launch of a new business tool for corporate cargo customers to track and offset the emissions associated with their air freight accounts.Carbon Choice allows cargo customers with large-scale, regular shipments to receive customized emissions reports with simple options to offset their company's carbon footprint through United’s partner, Sustainable Travel International (STI). The airline is introducing the tool to allow cargo customers to more easily incorporate carbon-neutral business practices into their overall corporate strategy.

By Mike Hower | Published 10 years ago | About a 1 minute read

United Airlines has announced the launch of a new business tool for corporate cargo customers to track and offset the emissions associated with their air freight accounts.

Carbon Choice allows cargo customers with large-scale, regular shipments to receive customized emissions reports with simple options to offset their company's carbon footprint through United’s partner, Sustainable Travel International (STI). The airline is introducing the tool to allow cargo customers to more easily incorporate carbon-neutral business practices into their overall corporate strategy.

In 2013, United became one of the first airlines to offer an online cargo carbon calculator that customers could use to enter their individual shipment data and track emissions. With Carbon Choice, United now offers cargo shippers customized reports sent directly to each customer on a regular basis. United's calculation approach recognizes weight, actual flight data related to aircraft type, routes and seasonality, and applies a next-generation CO2 emissions calculation methodology informed by the International Air Transport Association's recommended practice for airlines to calculate CO2 emissions from freight transport.

United says its partnership with STI ensures that all of the airline's carbon offset projects have obtained independent third-party verification and are registered with well-respected carbon offset programs.

United was named Air Transport World's Eco-Airline of the Year Gold Winner (2013) because of its accomplishments in fuel efficiency, responsible waste management, and for its leadership in sustainable alternative aviation fuels. The company in 2013 reduced CO2 emissions by more than 925,000 metric tons and exceeded its goal of reducing fuel consumption by 85 million gallons.

In 2011, United operated one of the first-ever US commercial flights powered by advanced biofuels.

Mike Hower

Founder & Principal Consultant, Hower Impact

Mike Hower is the founder of Hower Impact — a boutique consultancy delivering best-in-class strategic communication advisory and support for corporate sustainability, ESG and climate tech.

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