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Making a difference - Every Action CountsSM
We all have a responsibility to protect and preserve the world we live in, and as a company, United is committed to promoting the protection of our environment, both in the air and on the ground. We have put initiatives in place throughout our operations to help reduce our impact on the environment.
As part of our efforts to fulfill that commitment, we've instated a carbon offset program. This program gives our customers the opportunity to join us in protecting the environment by offsetting the carbon footprint associated with their air travel. Our carbon offset program lets you:
- Calculate the carbon footprint of your air travel on United;
- Learn how to reduce carbon emissions; and
- Contribute to proven programs by purchasing carbon offsets.
What is carbon offsetting?
Carbon offsetting is a process designed to alleviate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions that result from the use of fossil fuels. Through this process, our customers now have the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions resulting from their travel by making tax-deductible charitable contributions to a variety of independently reviewed and certified environmental projects focused on international reforestation and renewable energy.
Calculating your carbon footprint
If you are interested in taking part in our carbon offset program, you can start by using our carbon calculator to determine the carbon footprint specific to your travel itinerary. The size of your carbon footprint will determine the contribution amount needed to offset your travel. Calculations are based on a comprehensive carbon footprint of our flight operations, specific to routes, planes utilized, load factors, assumed passenger weight and actual fuel use. The carbon calculator only assigns the emissions associated with individual passenger travel and does not include other emissions generated by cargo transport, crew travel, etc.
Making a contribution
After you've calculated the carbon footprint resulting from your travel, you will be able to choose from several portfolios of carbon reduction programs offered by Sustainable Travel International (STI), relating to:
- International reforestation
- U.S. renewable energy
- "Gold standard" international renewable energy and energy efficiency
STI will invest your contribution in the designated portfolio through the purchase of carbon offsets, or units representing a certain amount of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Offset your air travel carbon footprint
Our environmental partners
Conservation International
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Conservation International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving natural resources.
United has been collaborating with Conservation International since 1998 to support environmental education for children.
In 2007, this relationship expanded to focus on the development and implementation of United's environmental responsibility program.
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Sustainable Travel International
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Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a nonprofit organization focused on helping travelers, travel providers and related
organizations support environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, cross-cultural heritage and economic development.
STI offers carbon management solutions and a variety of independently verified carbon offset projects.
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