Air travel and climate conversation

Here is the contextual information that was provided on the issue of staff air travel emissions, and how your input will be used to inform decision-making.

• About the issue

  Air travel has long played an important role in the work of university staff, but it’s also a major contributor to climate change.

  A return flight from Melbourne to London (economy) emits about 2.5 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas per person¹, or over 7.5 tonnes according to many calculators which factor in the greater climate impacts when fuel is burnt at high altitude². That's the equivalent of powering an average Australian household with gas and electricity for 15 months³.

  In 2019, business flights made up 12.8% of gross carbon emissions at the University of Melbourne⁴. That’s over 27,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions. To put that into perspective, it’s equal to the gas and electricity needed to power 1.67 million Australian households for a day³.

  The University of Melbourne Sustainability Plan 2030 commits to reducing staff air travel emissions by at least 10% by 2025, from (pre-pandemic) 2019 levels. In the Plan, the University also commits to continue paying to offset 100% of emissions from business flights and transport fleet, although it is important to note that carbon offset systems face serious criticisms.

  So, how should reductions in staff air travel be achieved? Is the 10% reduction target ambitious enough? Where should responsibility lie? What supports are required to minimise inequities and negative impacts of any changes?

• What will happen after this conversation?

  The conversation on this webpage will produce a view of the opinion landscape on the issue of staff air travel at the University, including the key  principles, barriers, opportunities and complexities to consider.

  The Sustainability Strategy Team will lead the process of using these results within the University as part of efforts to meet the targets of the Sustainability Plan 2030. This will begin with a presentation of results to the Chief Operating Officer's Sustainability Advisory Group to inform decisions about next steps. Particular attention will be paid to 'consensus statements' that are highly endorsed by all the different opinion groups across the Polis conversation.

  The researchers will also share the results of the Polis conversation with you, and notify you of actions being taken and of further opportunities to engage in next steps.

  This is an important process, but it is intended as only a small part of efforts to become a more sustainable and equitable University. Significant and urgent action is also needed to address the remaining 87.2% of the University’s carbon emissions which have nothing to do with air travel.