Air Travel
Air travel is an important consideration in Loyola University Chicago's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. While travel supports academic collaboration, research, and global engagement, aviation contributes to climate change through carbon dioxide and other emissions.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, Loyola encourages students, faculty, and staff to make thoughtful travel decisions that balance the benefits of travel with its environmental impacts.
Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to book University-sponsored travel through , Loyola’s designated travel booking platform. In addition to providing booking assistance and traveler support, Egencia helps the University accurately track carbon emissions associated with air travel, supporting our greenhouse gas reporting and sustainability goals. For more information about booking procedures and University travel requirements, visit Loyola’s .
Reducing Your Travel Impact
There are several ways to reduce the environmental impact of air travel, from considering alternatives to supporting verified emissions reduction projects.
1. Consider Alternatives to Flying
Before booking a flight, consider whether travel is necessary or whether a virtual meeting or conference could achieve the same goals. For shorter trips, trains, buses, or shared ground transportation may offer lower-emission alternatives.
2. Make the Most of Your Trip
When flying is necessary, consider combining multiple meetings, activities, or professional opportunities into one trip. Choosing economy seating and minimizing unnecessary connections can also help reduce your travel footprint.
3. Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Understanding the emissions associated with your travel can help inform more sustainable decisions. Use a to estimate the impact of your trip.
4. Explore Carbon Offsets
Carbon offsets support projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. While reducing emissions should always be the first priority, high-quality offsets may help address emissions that cannot currently be avoided.
When purchasing offsets, look for independent verification, transparent project information, and evidence that emissions reductions are additional and durable.
Learn More About Carbon Offsets
Carbon Offset Providers
Several organizations offer opportunities to support verified carbon reduction and removal projects, including:
Understanding Offset Quality and Verification
Not all carbon offsets offer the same environmental benefits. Important considerations include additionality, permanence, independent verification, and potential social and environmental impacts.
Learn more about recognized carbon credit standards through and .
Â鶹´«Ã½'s Air Travel Emissions
Loyola tracks emissions associated with university-related air travel as part of its greenhouse gas inventory. This includes faculty and staff travel and study abroad programs. Tracking these emissions helps the University understand its environmental impact and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
Historical Air Travel Emissions Data
Combined (Faculty/Staff and Study Abroad)
| Fiscal Year | Air Miles | Metric Tons CO2e | % of Total LUC Emissions |
| FY2008 | 19,204,557 | 10,720 | 12.3% |
| FY2011 | 25,158,351 | 15,944 | 20.3% |
| FY2012 | 24,296,478 | 14,335 | 19.8% |
| FY2014 | 22,808,719 | 10,654 | 18.5% |
| FY2015 | 22,915,492 | 11,055 | 13.5% |
| FY2016 | 22,927,845 | 9,995 | 15.0% |
| FY2017 | 19,989,406 | 9,827 | 20.9% |
| FY2018 | 20,630,695 | 9,959 | 18.4% |
| FY2019 | 20,162,246 | 10,365 | 19.5% |
| FY2020 | 15,263,872 | 7,363 | 15.4% |
| FY2021 | 838,499 | 405 | 0.9% |
| FY2022 | 9,814,081 | 4,315 | 9.6% |
Faculty/Staff
| Fiscal Year | Air Miles | Metric Tons CO2e | % of Total LUC Emissions |
| FY2008 | 9,243,517 | 7,395 | 8.7% |
| FY2011 | 12,176,840 | 8,302 | 10.6% |
| FY2012 | 13,875,950 | 8,201 | 11.1% |
| FY2014 | 16,297,433 | 7,345 | 9.2% |
| FY2015 | 15,376,115 | 7,418 | 10.4% |
| FY2016 | 14,735,897 | 6,043 | 7.2% |
| FY2017 | 12,746,749 | 6,149 | 11.5% |
| FY2018 | 12,733,646 | 6,149 | 12.0% |
| FY2019 | 12,881,841 | 6,214 | 11.8% |
| FY2020 | 7,840,108 | 3,782 | 7.9% |
| FY2021 | 838,499 | 405 | 0.9% |
| FY2022 | 4,005,907 | 1,760 | 3.9% |
Study Abroad
| Fiscal Year | Air Miles | Metric Tons CO2e | % of Total LUC Emissions |
| FY2008 | 9,961,040 | 3,325 | 3.9% |
| FY2011 | 12,981,511 | 7,642 | 9.8% |
| FY2012 | 10,420,528 | 6,134 | 8.3% |
| FY2014 | 6,511,286 | 3,309 | 4.2% |
| FY2015 | 7,539,377 | 3,637 | 5.1% |
| FY2016 | 8,191,948 | 3,952 | 4.0% |
| FY2017 | 7,242,657 | 3,678 | 6.9% |
| FY2018 | 7,897,049 | 3,810 | 7.5% |
| FY2019 | 7,280,405 | 4,151 | 7.9% |
| FY2020 | 7,423,764 | 3,581 | 7.5% |
| FY2021 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| FY2022 | 5,808,174 | 2,555 | 5.7% |
Data Collection & Methodology
Loyola uses FY2008 as its greenhouse gas inventory baseline and began regular emissions inventories in FY2011.
Study abroad travel estimates are based on program destinations and estimated round-trip distances. Faculty and staff travel estimates are calculated using university travel expenditures and estimated costs per air mile.