Dunn School PI Travel Pledges on the Launch of the University's Green Travel Policy - Aug 2022

In 2021, the University of Oxford reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and enhancing biodiversity by 2035. Among its ten action areas, a standout focus is the reduction of aviation emissions from University-related travel. The Travel Policy, launched on 1 August 2022, covers all University business travel, including University-funded activities like meetings, research trips, placements, and interviews. However, it excludes international student commutes, staff commutes, and staff relocations.

Remarkably, aviation accounts for half of the University’s infrastructure carbon emissions. By 2035, the University aims to achieve a 35% reduction in these flight emissions. To tackle the carbon challenge, a flight levy has been introduced, with funds directed to the Oxford Sustainability Fund. The levy, initially set at £30/tCO2e for all flights, is subject to biennial reviews. To guide travel decisions, the University has provided "Travel Hierarchy Recommendations":

• Avoid Travel: Evaluate the need and give priority to virtual alternatives.

• Reduce Travel: Streamline trips, choose nearby conference venues, and curtail both the frequency of travels and the number of attendees.

• Non-Aviation Methods: For journeys within the UK and Europe, options such as rail, coaches, ferries, and car-sharing are recommended.

• Air Travel: Use only when absolutely necessary, favoring direct flights and economy class seating.

The University endorses booking travel through its preferred supplier, Key Travel, highlighting its cost benefits, convenience, safety features, and sustainability advantages. For local Oxford transit, the preferred provider is Royal Cars. This travel policy emphasizes a fair application process, accommodating the needs of disabled staff, those with ongoing health conditions, and individuals within protected categories. When planning travel, departments are tasked with considering equality implications, weighing factors like environmental impact, and contemplating the pros and cons regarding career advancement opportunities.

To further amplify its commitment to reducing the carbon impact of air travel, the Dunn School Green Group has urged various Principal Investigators at Dunn School to commit to "flying less" pledges. View their commitments in the images below!