What is Aviation Emissions?
Carbon emissions from aircraft operations, including CO₂ and non-CO₂ effects like contrails. Aviation is challenging to decarbonise due to limited alternatives to jet fuel for long-haul flights.
Why it matters
A single return long-haul flight can exceed an employee's annual commuting emissions. For businesses with international operations or client relationships, aviation often dominates business travel Scope 3. Reducing unnecessary flights is a high-impact, low-cost reduction measure.
Example
A consulting firm introduces a flight approval policy requiring manager sign-off for any domestic flight. In the first year, domestic flights drop by 70%, with most replaced by train travel, saving 18 tCO₂e and £14,000.
Related terms
Business Travel Emissions
Carbon emissions from employee travel for business purposes, including flights, trains, car journeys, and hotels. Business travel is typically a significant Scope 3 category for professional services firms.
Scope 3 Emissions
All other indirect emissions occurring in an organisation's value chain, both upstream and downstream. Scope 3 typically represents 70-90% of a company's total carbon footprint and includes emissions from suppliers, business travel, employee commuting, and product use.
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