Watch the full Temperature Check webinar featuring Lauren Riley. ->
In the Temperature Check webinar series, Nili Gilbert, Vice Chairwoman of Carbon Direct, explores how leaders from all sectors—from policymakers and community leaders to corporate executives and financial experts—can address complex challenges and accelerate climate action.
In the second episode, Gilbert speaks with Lauren Riley, Chief Sustainability Officer at United Airlines, highlighting United’s efforts to scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), adopt new technologies, and pursue long-term climate goals.
United Airlines' net-zero strategy
United Airlines has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with sustainability integrated into its core operations. As Riley points out, “Our sustainability goals are not just about compliance; they are about driving our long-term success and reshaping industry standards.” Reducing carbon emissions while maintaining global operations presents a complex challenge. United’s approach to sustainability involves aligning financial success with environmental responsibility.
Scaling sustainable aviation fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel is crucial to United’s decarbonization efforts. Sustainable aviation fuel can significantly reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, but scaling its use faces obstacles such as supply chain issues and high costs. Riley notes, “While SAF holds great promise, we face significant barriers in scaling its production. Overcoming these challenges is essential for making SAF a mainstream fuel option.” United addresses these issues through initiatives like the Sustainable Flight Fund and the Eco-Skies Alliance, aiming to secure support from corporate travelers and investors to advance sustainable aviation fuel adoption.
Advancing policies and partnerships in SAF adoption
Effective policies and partnerships are vital for accelerating sustainable aviation fuel adoption. United’s collaborations with airlines, corporations, and governments are key to developing the infrastructure needed for sustainable aviation fuel. These partnerships help provide the stability required for long-term investment and growth. Over the longer-term, an expansion of carbon pricing regimes will be crucial to incentivizing investment in low-carbon technologies, unlocking necessary capital for sustainable aviation fuel projects.
Promoting sustainable corporate travel
Corporate travel is another area where sustainability challenges intersect with business needs. While the pandemic initially reduced corporate travel demand, it has since rebounded, presenting an opportunity for companies to rethink their travel policies. United is working closely with its corporate clients to promote sustainable travel options, including the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel. Initiatives like the Eco-Skies Alliance allow companies to actively participate in reducing their travel-related emissions. Riley notes that "corporate customers play a key role in advancing sustainable aviation by choosing low-carbon options and supporting initiatives that drive SAF adoption."
Addressing the impact of contrails
Beyond carbon emissions, United Airlines is also addressing the less obvious but significant environmental impact of contrails. These thin clouds, formed by the water vapor in aircraft exhaust, can contribute to atmospheric warming by trapping heat. United is exploring ways to mitigate this effect through improved flight planning and operational efficiencies. By optimizing flight routes and altitudes, the airline aims to minimize contrail formation, thus further reducing its overall climate impact. This approach highlights the multifaceted nature of aviation’s decarbonization efforts, which must account for both carbon dioxide emissions and other environmental factors.
Balancing sustainability with global connection
Sustainable aviation faces the central challenge of balancing how to reduce its carbon footprint while continuing to connect people worldwide. This is a complex issue because while eliminating flights would reduce carbon emissions, they would also eliminate the ability for meaningful in-person connection and experiences. Riley emphasizes that “any sustainability strategy must preserve our ability to connect people and cultures around the world.”
The path forward for sustainable aviation
The discussion illustrates the aviation industry’s ongoing journey toward sustainability. While progress is being made in scaling sustainable aviation fuel and supportive policy is expanding, substantial work remains. Decarbonizing aviation is both essential and achievable with innovative solutions, strong partnerships, and a collective commitment to a sustainable future.
Tags
Climate Strategy
Carbon Reduction
Carbon Accounting
