Travel guide
Addressing climate change is crucial for the well-being of everyone on the planet and requires collective action to make an impact. As a higher education institution, we recognize the significance of travel in fulfilling our mandate. Travel not only facilitates meaningful research and collaboration with global partners but also plays a pivotal role in training future leaders to tackle complex challenges.
This travel guide serves as a tool to reflect on how we balance the demands of our global engagement with our responsibility to mitigate climate change.
As a member of the Gustavson School of Business, here’s what you can do to help:
Before all travel
Before your trip, take some time to assess if in-person participation is necessary, or if online attendance would allow you to get value out of the event.
Is it possible to use digital and online resources?
Through the quick development of remote technologies over the past few years, it has become much easier to attend events remotely.
How many Gustavson members are going to the event?
The value gained from attending may be maximized by one or two people going to the event. If possible reduce the number of members attending and find other ways to share knowledge and research.
Combine multiple activities into one trip
- How many activities are available at your destination?
- Can you bundle multiple events into one trip?
- Are there other activities you want to do in the area?
- Is there any other knowledge to be gained at your destination?
Collaborate with local networks
Consider travelling shorter distances to collaborate with local partners. Establish a regional hub for a larger or international conference, where you can share information with each other.
Land-based transportation
Opt for land-based public transportation for shorter trips rather than flying or taking a private vehicle to have a positive impact in reducing your carbon footprint.
| Transportation method | Carbon footprint (kg CO2e/psg*100 km) |
|---|---|
| Rail | 12.2 |
| Bus | 5.2 |
| Carpool (4 people) | 5.5 to 7.0 |
| Short haul flight | 15.8 |
| Medium haul flight | 9.0 |
| Long haul flight | 10.0 |
| Private vehicle | 22.0 to 29.0 |
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. (2021, April). 2020 Best practices methodology for quantifying GHG emissions.
Consider rail and public transit for the lowest impact
Land-based public transportation such as a bus, train or carpool are great methods for travel within North America as they allow you to be productive while travelling and are often faster than taking a personal vehicle.
Carpool with colleagues going to the same event
Maximizing occupancy for a vehicle reduces the GHG emissions and fuel consumption per passenger. A car with full occupancy has less of an environmental impact per person compared to many forms of public transport.
Private vehicles have the largest impact
If you decide to take a private vehicle to your destination, consider renting a low-emission, hybrid or electric vehicle.
Flying sustainably
Some destinations are only reachable via flying. However, there are still many actions that can be taken for a trip.
Book lower emissions flight itineraries
A 2021 report found that low-emissions flight itineraries, which take advantage of fewer take-offs and landings, use shorter routes or have fuel-efficient aircrafts, emit 22% less emissions compared to average emissions itineraries.
Choose economy or coach class tickets
Business and first-class seats offer more space and services which means a greater share of weight per passenger. Consequently, this leads to increased fuel consumption for your carbon footprint.
Use airport shuttles to get to and from the airport
Most airports have great public transportation options to get you to your destination, and using airport shuttles instead of a taxi or a private vehicle to get to your destination can save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Sustainable local travel
At your destination, there are many actions that can be taken to lower your carbon footprint.
Active travel has no carbon footprint
Walking and cycling is the most sustainable form of transportation from an environmental, social and economic perspective. It is also the healthiest form of transportation!
Carpooling decreases emissions and traffic
Increasing the number of passengers in a vehicle will reduce everyone’s GHG footprint and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Public transportation is a cheap, easy and effective way to lower your footprint
Using public forms of transportation will significantly reduce your personal GHG footprint.
Rideshares help reduce the cars on the road
Car-sharing services reduce the number of vehicles in circulation, which lowers congestion and the number of active vehicles emitting carbon.
Private vehicles have the highest footprint
If you decide to rent a private vehicle, ask the company for a hybrid, electric or low emissions vehicle.
| Point of career | Most justifiable | More justifiable | Less justifiable | Least justifiable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early career | Presenting & promoting research | Collecting data | Developing relationships | Not directly related to own research |
| Mid career | Opportunities for your own research | Collecting data | Presenting & promoting research | Not directly related to own research |
| Late career | Opportunities for the school | Funding opportunities | Progressing major projects | Collecting data |
| Everyone | Fieldwork & contractual obligations | Sensitive negotiations | Travelling with short durations | Routine meetings |
Sustainable accommodation
The location you choose for accommodation can play a key role in your emissions for the trip.
Research sustainable options in the area
Some accommodation options are highly engaged in sustainable actions or have credible sustainability ranking and certification schemes.
Reduce your daily travel
Try to choose accommodation in an area that is located near your intended destinations. This allows you to use active or public transit to get to events and meetings.
Turn off the lights and A/C when you leave the room
Saving energy reduces your carbon footprint and creates a habit that can reduce your own energy consumption.
Bring your own toiletries with you
This reduces the usage of single-use items, and the associated excess waste, for your trip.
Unplug unused appliances and electronics
Even if not on, appliances still use energy when they’re plugged in. Take a moment when you arrive at your accommodation to assess which appliances you will be using.
Conclusion
This guide is designed to aid decision-making when it comes to a university-related travel decision. The largest impact we can have on Scope 3 emissions are to travel less and travel sustainably. We hope this guide can help you travel sustainably and leave a positive impact.