Sustainability commitment in Environmental sustainability
We believe the airline industry needs to be bolder when it comes to climate change. That’s why United is the only airline in the world to commit to 100% Green — achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 — without relying on traditional carbon offsets.
Approach to sustainability
As an industry that depends on fossil fuels to operate, we recognize our contribution to climate change, and our responsibility to solve it. That’s why United is the only airline in the world to commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050 — without relying on traditional carbon offsets. We are committed to investing in the solutions that can actually reduce the emissions from flying. At United, we believe that it is not acceptable to declare success by simply purchasing carbon credits while enabling the status quo within our industry.
Last year, we established a strong mid-term goal of reducing our carbon intensity 50% compared to 2019 by the year 2035. We recognize the need to demonstrate mid-term progress en route to our ultimate goal of net zero GHG emissions by 2050. Our 2035 carbon intensity goal is based in science, aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and demonstrates clear progress toward our 2050 net zero GHG emissions goal.
United is investing in solutions that will reduce our environmental impact in the air, on the ground and at our facilities, which will benefit our customers, stockholders, employees and the communities we serve. Our strategy to achieve our climate goals is centered around four key pathways:
Reducing
United’s environmental footprint
Innovating
For potentially transformative carbon reduction technology
Removing
Carbon emissions in the atmosphere
Collaborating
With employees, customers, airports, suppliers, cross-industry partners and policymakers to facilitate faster action and the commercialization of technology solutions concerning climate change
For more on our progress read more on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Direct Air Capture.
External recognition
United’s leadership in decarbonizing air travel and transparent disclosures have been recognized by external bodies including:
2021 ATW Eco-Airline of the Year award
United won Air Transport World’s Eco-Airline of the Year for the second time in 2021, reflecting innovations including our commitments to SAF and the Eco-Skies Alliance.
CDP recognized United to its 2020 ‘A List’ as leading towards a more sustainable future
United was the first U.S. airline to disclose through the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) and received the highest CDP score among U.S. airlines for seven consecutive years (from 2014 to 2020). In 2020, it was the only airline in the world recognized on the Climate ‘A List’ for its leadership in sustainable aviation.