United Airlines’ customers can now offset entire carbon footprint

CHICAGO, IL – United Airlines today announced the launch of CarbonChoiceSM, a new business tool for corporate cargo customers to easily track and offset the emissions associated with their air freight accounts. Cargo customers with large-scale, regular shipments on United can receive customized emissions reports with simple options to offset their company’s carbon footprint through the airline’s partner, Sustainable Travel International.

United is introducing the business tool to allow cargo customers to more easily incorporate carbon-neutral business practices into their overall corporate strategy.

“United Cargo shippers consistently tell us they’re focused on understanding their company’s environmental impact, and they’ve asked us specifically for a large-scale program like this,” said Jan Krems, United’s vice president of cargo. “CarbonChoice provides our customers the detailed data they need to better achieve their own companies’ sustainability commitments.”

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 CarbonChoiceSM, United now offers cargo shippers hassle-free, 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 offers one of the most robust carbon offsetting programs in the industry, with specific options for its entire range of customers, including MileagePlus members, individual business and leisure travelers, and now CarbonChoiceSM extends that to the airline’s cargo account customers.

United partners with Sustainable Travel International to ensure all of the airline’s carbon offset projects have obtained independent third-party verification and are registered with well-respected carbon offset programs.

“Reducing United’s emissions through our fuel efficiency programs and helping our customers offset carbon emissions are some of the best ways United can be an environmentally responsible airline,” said Angela Foster-Rice, United’s managing director of environmental affairs and sustainability.

United’s Commitment to the Environment

United Airlines is committed to leading commercial aviation as an environmentally responsible company by taking actions today that shape an environmentally sustainable future. 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. United is a leader in the advancement and use of alternative fuels, making history in commercial aviation with its partnership with AltAir Fuels to bring commercial-scale, cost-competitive renewable jet fuel to its Los Angeles hub later this year.