Our goal is to halve overall carbon emissions by 2030 and reduce them to net zero by 2050
To achieve this goal, the University has also committed to reducing emissions from air travel by 25% by 2030 (from 2010 baseline). This goal reflects a measured reduction in unnecessary travel, not removal of flights altogether.
We can achieve these goals by
- Avoiding and reducing unnecessary travel
- Maximising benefits and outcomes when we do need to travel.
Each time you travel, please consider:
Multi-purpose travel
Could other activities be included in this trip to avoid other potential travel at a later date?
Online options
Have alternative engagement modes been considered, such as local conference hubs, virtual research, online conferences and networking opportunities?
Value of in-person travel
What advantages does in person travel provide to further university business, progress research or support career development?
Minimise emissions
Are you choosing the travel alternative with the lowest carbon impact? For example, economy rather than business class; choosing the most direct itinerary?
In reducing our carbon emissions, Griffith University recognises the important role that travel can play in research, career development and relationship building. We believe in empowering decision making that balances the needs of Griffith’s business and academic objectives with our commitment to sustainable and equitable goals for people, partnerships, planet and prosperity.
While there are instances where air travel is necessary, there are also opportunities to reduce unnecessary travel, through thoughtful planning and online engagement.
Read our plan to reduce air travel emissions
Environmental impact of air travel
In 2019-20, Griffith University’s flights accounted for 14% of our overall greenhouse gas emissions. After our electricity consumption, this is our largest segment.
We are addressing our emissions from electricity usage through investment in on-campus solar and purchase of renewable energy. To achieve net zero emissions, flights are an important area to address and reduce.
Griffith’s progress towards its targets
Reduced activity and flights during 2020-21, due to pandemic restrictions, resulted in significant reductions in our emissions during this period.
While we also expect some reduced activity in 2021-22, as travel restrictions are lifted and activity returns, we anticipate our emissions will increase unless we pursue targeted actions to reduce unnecessary emissions.
Scope 3 includes our emissions from air travel, but also includes emissions from sources such as waste, cleaning, food and beverage services, IT equipment. Flights make up the largest proportion of emissions in this scope. Scope 2 are emissions from our electricity consumption, while scope 1 relates to our use of motor vehicles, gas usage and refrigerant gas leakage.
Social benefits of virtual engagement and reduced air travel
Research has shown a range of social benefits from increased online engagement, including:
- Increased participation in online conferences and event opportunities, particularly for early and mid-career researchers
- Inclusive access to events for groups including people with disabilities, those with caring responsibilities and others who choose not to travel
- Health and wellbeing benefits from reduced travel, including minimising time spent away from families and travel fatigue
Carbon offsets
Griffith University will only use carbon offsets for unavoidable air travel, focusing first on avoiding and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions where possible.
It is important that any offsets we make are of the highest integrity and transparency, have social and environmental value, respect Country and have long term sustainable value. An offset program is currently being scoped to meet these guidelines.
Sustainable Aviation Research
The Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), Griffith Aviation, and the Climate Action Beacon work together to
regenerative, and low-carbon technologies and opportunities for the aviation sector.