 Home > About Continental > Global Citizenship > Commitment to the Environment > FAQs - Sustainable Travel International
How much does aviation impact Climate Change?
Aviation accounts for less than 2% of total global carbon emissions (including passenger, cargo, military, corporate and general aviation). (Source: Stern Review: The Economics of Climate Change)
By comparison,
- electricity generation accounts for 24% of global carbon emissions
- deforestation accounts for 18%
- road transport accounts for 10%
What is Continental's environmental commitment statement?
Continental Airlines is committed to promoting environmental responsibility within its culture.
Global climate change is an important issue, and Continental recognizes that greenhouse gas emissions are everyone's concern. We recognize the importance of directly addressing this issue, even though we do not have all the answers.
The two primary means by which aviation contributes to global emissions are through aircraft operations and airport ground equipment, and Continental is committed to reducing emissions from these sources. In order to minimize the impact on the environment from our fleet and ground service equipment, Continental will continue to invest in the most effective technology and operating procedures feasible. In addition, we will construct airport facilities in an environmentally responsible manner and will continue to monitor the environmental impact of our business.
See details regarding Continental's Commitment to the Environment.
Why did you choose to work with Sustainable Travel International?
We reviewed a wide range of carbon offset providers. Sustainable Travel International was the standout because of its international focus, excellence of mission and high standards, which makes the organization a good fit for Continental and our customers. We also value Sustainable Travel International's policy of obtaining independent third-party verification for all carbon offsetting projects. In addition, Sustainable Travel International works with some of the most credible, environmentally committed companies in other business sectors.
Sustainable Travel International projects must verifiably reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the CDM Gold Standard, consistent with the principles of the Kyoto Protocol, or have Green-e certification from the Center for Resource Solutions. Sustainable Travel International recently received the highest ranking in an independent study of carbon offsetting programs commissioned by the environmental group Clean Air-Cool Planet.
Sustainable Travel International also works with the World Wildlife Fund, National Geographic, Whole Foods Market, Ben & Jerry's, the Coca-Cola Company and other environmentally committed companies and organizations.
Go to the Sustainable Travel International Web site for more information.
What is offsetting?
Carbon offsetting is the act of mitigating ("offsetting") greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, including travel, which releases CO2. When you offset your travel, your contribution goes to fund projects that are designed to reduce your calculated amount of personal CO2 impact in the atmosphere.
How do you calculate the CO2 emissions?
The calculations we use are based on actual fuel consumption of the Continental Airlines fleet. There are three factors used in our calculator:
- Continental Airlines average fleet fuel consumption rate per mile flown for each aircraft type in the fleet.
- CO2 emitted per kilogram of jet fuel burned.
- The distance flown calculated as the great circle distance (shortest distance between two points on the earth) between the departure and destination airports.
How does your offsetting program work?
Customer contributions to Sustainable Travel International fund the purchase of offsets, which are generated from high-impact sustainable development projects, including reforestation, renewable energy and energy conservation. These projects, which also benefit local communities, are located all over the world. Customers have the option of selecting which kind of program they would like their carbon offsets to benefit.
International Reforestation Projects
Projects to recreate critical forests and provide incentives to protect critical forest land and avoid the cutting of trees. Projects are designed using the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance (www.climate-standards.org).
U.S. Renewable Energy Projects
Renewable energy projects such as wind farms that are used to generate clean energy in the western U.S. Bonneville Environmental foundation provides STI with Green-e certified (www.green-e.org), 100% renewable green tags for this program.
Gold Standard Projects
Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects are inspected and validated by Clean Development Mechanism accredited Designated Operational Entities including The Gold Standard (www.cdmgoldstandard.org).
Will your offsetting program benefit only U.S. communities or international ones as well?
Sustainable Travel International supports projects both in the U.S. and internationally. Customers will have the option of selecting which category of program they would like their carbon offsets to benefit.
In what areas does Continental put most environmental focus?
Aircraft operations are, by far, the leading focus of our environmental efforts, followed by airport ground vehicles. Our fleet modernization is the single biggest area where we have made an impact: Since 1997 we have achieved approximately a 35 percent reduction in emissions, creating 1.2 million metric tons fewer emissions than if we had not modernized the fleet. However, we have a wide focus on environmental issues and constantly work on initiatives related to noise, safe handling and disposal of toxic substances, maintaining safe and clean potable water supplies, as well as other areas.
Continental Airlines flights generate, on average, 7.8% less greenhouse gas than passenger flights of other U.S. major air carriers.(Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Office of Airline Information, T-100 and Form 41 mainline passenger traffic and fuel consumption data of major air carriers.)
Where is Sustainable Travel International located?
While the projects that Sustainable Travel International supports are located around the world (please see the STI web site for more information), STI itself has offices in Portland, Oregon and Boulder, Colorado in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
Why does your carbon offset program cost more than some airlines?
Carbon offsets vary widely and substantially in terms of quality. Continental believes that customers want high quality in a carbon offset option, which typically requires higher project costs, including verification and certification, but achieves a better assurance of genuine results. Customers who want to contribute toward protecting the environment at a lower cost can contribute a smaller amount to Sustainable Travel International toward carbon offset projects.
Can I make a contribution that is higher or lower than the amount calculated by the emissions calculator?
Yes, the emissions calculation is merely a guide or suggestion for a contribution. No contribution is required, of course, and participation in carbon offsetting is voluntary. You may decide to contribute a different amount in support of carbon offsetting.
Why would I want to make a higher or lower contribution?
The carbon calculator determines the average amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is emitted for each type of aircraft in Continental Airlines' fleet. However, some scientists estimate the overall impact of aircraft emissions at high altitudes to be two to five times greater than the effect of CO2 alone, according to different studies conducted on this issue. This Radiative Forcing Index (RFI) accounts for the climate impact of other emissions such as nitrogen oxides and contrails. By definition, radiative forcing is the change in radiation levels at the earth's surface due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Many carbon calculators account for CO2 emissions only. This gives a conservative indication of the potential impact of aviation emissions on global climate. STI and Continental Airlines therefore offer you the opportunity to contribute more if you want to account for these other potential impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends a RFI factor of 2.7, so, for example, if you want to offset this amount you would multiple the total cost to offset your flight by 2.7.
For more information on RFI, please visit the IPCC and the World Resources Institute Web sites.
What is a metric ton(ne)?
A tonne (t) or metric ton (M/T), also referred to as a metric tonne, is a measurement of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms. 1 tonne = 1.102 US tons, or 2,204 pounds.
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