In 2020, professional air travel at the UW decreased more than 60% as a result of the mandatory stay at home orders and public health crisis. While some work of the university was negatively impacted, we quickly developed new skills for working and gathering virtually and experienced benefi ts such as increased participation, and reduced costs.

Our goals for the next fiscal year are to build on what we learned to minimize unnecessary travel and to continue to pursue strategies for offsetting emissions from travel that is core to our mission.

Target actions for 2023

View actions for past fiscal years

Sustainability plan guiding principles

  •  Ensure students achieve sustainability literacy
  •  Choose our research conscientiously
  •  Keep equity and inclusion at the center
  •  Use resources responsibly
  •  Decarbonize

Steps we will take in FY 2023

  • Continue evaluating feasibility, costs, and benefits of a carbon offset program

The Professional Travel Emission Reduction working group will continue to work on determining the feasibility of a carbon offset program for UW travel. This will include presenting to various leadership and stakeholder groups at UW to determine support and garner feedback.